Just flipping through the Outdoor Wire this morning and I saw a quick story about a birthday party for Smokey Bear this weekend at Salamonie Resevoir, Indiana.  I grew up in a Forest Service Family and Smokey Bear was a part of my life from day one.  I am quite sure my first "Teddy" bear was Smokey and there is still one sitting around on my book shelf 39 years later.

Smokey Bear is an American icon and an important part of our education system for the last 60 years.  Over 60 years Smokey Bear has gone through many changes but the message has always been the same... Help Prevent Forest Fires!

The United States Forest Service has gone through many changes in 60 years, some great, some good, and some bad.  I hope they will always keep the American Icon Smokey Bear alive and well in our great country.