By CONNIE MERTZ

One of the many advantages of attending an outdoor writer's meeting is to learn about new and exciting endeavors in our field. Last weekend in Myerstown, at the 50th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Outdoors Writer's Association (POWA), we were treated to an impersonation of U S President Teddy Roosevelt. Adorned in early 1900 fashion, he spoke on his conservation efforts and how his desire was to preserve the land for future generations.

"We are not building this country of ours for a day. It is to last through the ages," he spoke in 1905. His words ring true today. In Pennsylvania, as well as across America, "we have to work together to share our cultural heritage and natural resource legacy with the rest of the American public," stated Bob Munson, Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance (TRCA).

The newly formed alliance is a conservation association of fish, wildlife and habitat stakeholders, who work with hunters and anglers to give a positive impact to the 192 million acres of the National Park System. Their purpose is simply to rekindle and foster the philosophy and legacy of our 26th president. The TRCA supports science-based regulated hunting and fishing to promote a positive image of field sports as well as to sustain a diversity of fish and wildlife.

Members have access to information critical to national forest lands so they can act and let their voices be heard. Membership is free. Currently, more than 200 groups have already affiliated and more than 40,000 individuals have joined the Alliance as TRCA Partners. For more information call 877/770-8722 or visit www.trca.org.