5/22/09                                                                                For More Information, Contact:
For Immediate Release                                                       Leo Maloney, 315-363-3896
                                                                                            e-mail lmalone1@twcny.rr.com

Two Communicators Named to NY State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame
Hollister, Aprill join 14 other NYSOWA members previously inducted

Bill Hollister of Valatie and Dennis Aprill of Schuyler Falls, both accomplished communicators, and members of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association (NYSOWA), have been inducted into the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.

The Hall is located at the Lodge at the Gander Mountain store in New Hartford, where the plaques of all inductees, as well as mounts, antique sporting goods and educational exhibits, are on display.

The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame honors the sports men and women who have made significant contributions to the cause of conservation and preserving the heritage of outdoor sports, and since 1983 when the Hall was established, more than 200 deserving men and women have been inducted.  Among them, in addition to Hollister and Aprill, have been 14 current or former members of the NYSOWA.

Hollister, a Columbia County resident, has contributed to the state’s outdoor heritage through his accomplishments during a 30-plus year career as a biologist and administrator for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (D.E.C.) and through his award-winning photography, and for his book, magazine and newspaper writing.  Among his key contributions while at the D.E.C. was pioneering public hunting opportunities on private lands, a cooperative program about which he spoke and helped set up similar arrangements in other states and Canada.

Aprill, an outdoor writer and professor at the State University’s Plattsburgh State College, has inspired readers for more than 20 years through his outdoor column in the Plattsburgh Press Republican and other media.  His articles, stated his nomination, “played a significant role in ‘hot-button’ issues.”

The two, along with seven other honorees, were inducted during a ceremony at the hall’s annual banquet, held in Canastota.

“We are very proud of Bill and Dennis,” said Joel Lucks of East Northport, who serves as president of NYSOWA.  “Our organization strives to keep the public informed on important issues, and these two members have done an outstanding job throughout their careers of doing just that, while protecting and promoting our outdoor heritage. We invite potential members to join our ranks, and for the public to learn more about NYSOWA, by visiting our Web site at www.nysowa.org or by contacting me at info@joellucks.com.”