Founded in 2000, the Writing Ranch is dedicated to building and supporting the careers, craft, and cr THE MISSION OF THE WATERSTON DESERT WRITING PRIZE IS TO STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT THE LITERARY ARTS AND HUMANITIES IN THE HIGH DESERT REGION OF THE NORTHWEST THROUGH RECOGNITION OF LITERARY EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION WRITING ABOUT DESERT LANDSCAPES, THROUGH COMMUNITY INTERACTION WITH THE WINNING AUTHORS OF THE PRIZE, AND PRESENTATIONS AND PROGRAMS THAT TAKE PLACE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE PRIZE.