Mid-Atlantic Compact Sparks Special 75th Commemorative Edition
With funding from the USDA Forest Service and more than 20 state forestry agencies, a 16-page Smokey Bear booklet developed by Mid-Atlantic Fire Compact was delivered to nearly a million Highlights Magazine subscribers in April.
WASHINGTON—In celebration of Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday and his iconic wildfire prevention message, nearly every Highlights subscriber in the United States and Canada received a 16-page Smokey Bear activity booklet with their April magazine.
“Thanks to a generous grant from the USDA Forest Service, contributions from individual state forestry agencies, and the hard work of the Mid-Atlantic Fire Compact, thousands of young people across North America can join in on our year-long celebration of Smokey’s 75th birthday,” said Lisa Allen, NASF president and Missouri state forester.
“Smokey’s timeless message: ‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires’—is recognized by 8 out of 10 Americans, but his work to prevent wildfires is far from over. With this activity book, we’ll be reaching young children and educators—some of the most important audiences when it comes to successful wildfire prevention campaigns—with Smokey’s fire safety tips.”
“Highlights Magazine enables us to expand our reach to young children about the importance of caring for their public lands, including national forests and grasslands. What better way to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 75th than to reach children who in the very near future will become stewards of those lands.”
USDA Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. Seventy-five years later, in 2019, Smokey is celebrating a milestone birthday. Will you join us in honoring Smokey Bear and this timeless message of wildfire prevention throughout 2019? You can celebrate Smokey Bear’s legacy at an event near you!
Visit SmokeyBear75th.org to explore an interactive event map.