2026
Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association
Trees for Tomorrow, Eagle River, July 31- August 1, 2026
July 31, 2026
WOCA members celebrated the 50th anniversary year of the Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association with a robust turnout and dinner setup by Ron Weber. Not to be deterred by a little rain, Ron set us up in Trees’ new outdoor pavilion. Ron’s wife provided homemade dessert and Jim Bishop helped with setup.
Joining us Friday was this year’s WOCA/OHEC Scholarship Winner, Evan Casper:
“I am attending the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where I’m majoring in Hydrology. I plan to graduate in the spring of 2027, and look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have gained in the classroom to a career in natural resource conservation. In my free time, I enjoy carving wooden duck decoys, hunting, fishing, and spending time with my American Water Spaniel, Finn. Waterfowl hunting is my favorite outdoor activity, and there is nothing more rewarding than harvesting birds over decoys I carved by hand. One of my favorite volunteer opportunities each year is the Waterfowl Expo in Oshkosh, where I help with the Youth Zone and assist with the decoy-carving contest. I enjoy sharing my passion for waterfowl conservation, hunting, and decoy carving with the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
Speakers as noted in the attachment followed in the education building.
Minutes from 2026 WOCA Business Meeting, August 1, 2026
A broad range of speakers as noted in the attachment were heard, including a presentation by UW Professor Sissel Schroeder on ancient dugout canoes found in Lake Mendota. It was WOCA’s first Zoom presentation and the medium promises use at future meetings.
Treasurer Laurel Steffes indicated the treasury was in solid shape with an estimated $5,466, once expected accounts receivable are paid. The annual silent auction to raise money for the WOCA/OHEC Scholarship was held. Nearly $1,400 was raised and will increase the treasury balance. Continued thanks to Jenny Sereno for very generous contributions to the treasury, which has allowed the treasury to recover. Sereno was voted a lifetime WOCA member as sincere thanks from the group. Sincere thanks to Tom Luba and Kevin Naze (both agreed to continue working on donations for the coming year) for raising donations for the auction.) Other members have generously rounded up fees and offered donations as well.
Patrick Durkin indicated he won’t be available to set up the auction next year. Kevin Naze said he would step up and Jim Bishop volunteered to help, as did Tom Luba.
Mark LaBarbera confirmed the Outdoor Heritage Center will continue to help fund and publicize the scholarship, and is open to increasing its contribution.
The WOCA/OHEC Scholarship has been active since 2018, and has helped pay the educational expenses of nine college students from multiple Wisconsin colleges and universities who are interested in sharing information about Wisconsin’s outdoors. It is WOCA and OHEC’s investment to ensure the next generation of outdoor communicators.
Retiring President Patrick Durkin convened the WOCA business meeting at 4:45 p.m.
Durkin, who has served as organizational president since 2011, indicated a recent medical scare and desire for free time prompted his decision. He expressed gratitude for the honor of being president, and noted it was a sometimes trying, but rewarding gig. He received a round of applause.
Discussion followed on who would serve as officers in the coming year. Bob Haase (unable to attend this year) was assumed to continue as vice-president. Laurel Steffes agreed to another year as secretary-treasurer. Scholarship committee members agreed to continue (Dave Zeug; Art Barlow, Laurel Steffes.) Mark LaBarbera suggested Ruth Lee at the Outdoor Heritage Education Center may be available to help the committee. No changes were made in the Board of Directors.
Nominations were opened for president. Members unanimously elected Ron Weber as WOCA’s new president.
Once again, the management team refused honorariums for their work.
Several comments were made complimenting this year’s speakers. Art Barlow reports that by Monday following the workshop he is already working with locals to bring Access Ability Wisconsin to his county. Other members commented they would pursue articles related to presentations.
Members then held a discussion on WOCA’s future, value and format.
Dave Zeug asked what members see as the ongoing purpose of the group.
Tim Eisele said not only did WOCA provide useful article fodder but it reinforced colleague relationships, important as newspapers face challenges and outdoor news continues to face competition from online and other venues.
Paul Smith said he believes there is a general will to continue WOCA.
Patrick Durkin noted that looking around the membership, it is decidedly older. Laurel Steffes noted that scholarships, while important to encourage outdoor communication, have not yielded younger members as hoped.
The group decided to continue as noted. Perhaps looking at officers moving from VP to president each year.
2027 WORKSHOP: July 30-31 has been reserved for the 2027 workshop at Trees for Tomorrow. Trees was again selected as in previous years moving the meeting around to different locations in the state proved complicated and costly, and did not appreciably increase attendance. Trees has also been very accommodating and tried to keep prices stable. WOCA members filled two complete dorms this year.
Tim Eisele shared photos and a special anniversary cake to mark WOCA’s 50th anniversary. Tim was among the founding members.
Door prizes were distributed. The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: Laurel Steffes, Secretary-Treasurer