Archives West Finding Aid

The publication of the WiNR journal began as an informal newsletter between some of the women faculty in the University of Idaho's Department of Forestry. It was born out of a necessity to find solidarity with other women professionals as they entered the male-dominated Forestry Field. Subsequently, the newsletter allowed these women to share their experiences of hardship, success and discovery.

The journal was initiated by Linda Donohue of the North Central Forest Experiment Station in December, 1979. Originally called Women in Forestry, its first moto is as follows: "The intent of the newsletter is to build a communication and support network among career oriented women in Forest Service—not just for professional Foresters, but for all interested women. We hope it succeeds." This sentiment would echo throughout future volumes and later encompass women of all Natural Resource fields, including those inside and outside the University, private or public sectors, local to international levels. By 1987, the group renamed themselves Women in Natural Resources (WiNR) with the moto "for professionals in forestry, wildlife, range, fisheries, recreation, and related fields."

WiNR continued to cover a broad scope of submissions: personal experiences, research, history, surveys, conference papers, art, and poetry. Eventually, the group began to publish digital articles alongside hard-copies in 1996. After a thirty-four year legacy of collection material, the journal finally ended in December 2013. From its fruition to its end, this publication aimed to serve as a supportive community for women in Natural Resource fields.

The WiNR journal could not have been successful without its contributors. Dixie Ehrenreich was not only the managing editor of WiNR but also was instrumental in supporting the first three women at the University of Idaho to receive tenure in Forest Resources: Molly Stock, Jo Ellen Force, and Lauren Fins. Dixie, Molly and Jo Ellen would be key contributors and supporters of the journal throughout the 1980-90s. When Molly finally stepped down as contributing editor, Karen Lyman took her place for the rest of the print publications, alongside Lei Bammel, until 1998. Many of the journal's interviews were conducted by Daina Dravnieks Apple, member of the Women in Land Management Agencies (WILMA). Dean Zwight was also the long-standing cartoonist for the journal, filling most volumes with expressive drawings of women's experiences working in Natural Resources. Even John Jr. Ehrenreich, Dixie's son, contributed as the journal's business manager from 1990 to 1994. After 17 years as managing editor, Dixie finally resigned in 1999 to allow Sandra Martin, former research scientist for the United States Forsest Service (USFS), to lead the helm.

There are many more long-standing, active contributors of WiNR not detailed here. You can learn more about them in the "Historical Note References" below.