Californian of the Year
OWAC’s Californian of the Year award is given to the person who has contributed most significantly to the promotion of outdoor recreation or preservation of nature, who exemplifies the spirit of the outdoors through contributions above and beyond the call of duty.
In 1990, OWAC gave its first Californian of the Year award to Dick Weaver, a Department of Fish & Game wildlife specialist. The award was given in the context of OWAC’s first craft awards program. Members in good standing cast their ballots for their choice among the four candidates nominated.
Few changes have been made to the program since its inception. Active members are urged to nominate candidates deserving of recognition, keeping in mind that the nomination essay is crucial in determining a winner.
OWAC headquarters distributes the ballots by mail. Headquarters staff count the returned votes, and the award is presented to the winner in a banquet ceremony at OWAC’s fall conference.
Past winners have included teachers and activists, politicians and game wardens, biologists and everyday citizens who have taken up a cause. OWAC members are not eligible.
Among the most recent honorees are:
2009 - Leon Lesicka
2008 - Cliff McDonald
2007 - State Senator Dave Cogdill
2006 - Bob Franko
2003 - Congressman Mike Thompson
Who will be honored as Californian of the Year in 2010? Nominees should exemplify the spirit of the outdoors through contributions above and beyond the call of duty. Candidates are nominated by an OWAC member, and presented to the full membership for a vote.
With the fingers of OWAC stretching to the far reaches of the state, you have met qualified nominees in the course of your work as a reporter or during your leisure out in the field. Think of someone who has dedicated his or her life to the betterment of the outdoors, or recently worked on a special project that benefited the industry.
Past recipients have been teachers, biologist, wildlife advocates, politicians and everyday citizens who have taken up a cause. We should continue this tradition with a stellar contingent of candidates. OWAC members are not eligible for the award.
Deadline for candidate nominations is June 1, 2010. Just send us solid reasons why this person should be awarded OWAC's top honor as Californian of the Year, observing the newly imposed limit of 600 words. Nominations may be made by any member in good standing, whether Active or Supporting.
Any questions please email fishrap@att.net, or call Kathie Morgan at 707/838-3270. Send your nominations to: fishrap@att.net. I will confirm all nominations received.