|
|
|
|
|
Media Inquiries
614-265-6860 |
|
|
|
|
|
Aug
10
Written by:
news editor
8/10/2009 1:00 AM
08/10/09 The Smokey Bear sign that once stood proudly at an entrance to the Mohican-Memorial State Forest has been given a face lift and once again reminds visitors, “Only You Can Prevent Wild Fires.”
Smokey Bear Sign Restored, Again Promoting Wild Fire Awareness
LOUDONVILLE, OH – The Smokey Bear sign that once stood proudly at an entrance to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Mohican-Memorial State Forest along Ohio’s State Route 97 has been given a face lift and again reminds visitors, “Only You Can Prevent Wild Fires.”
A seasonal employee at Mohican State Park, Nick Snyder, 18, of Loudonville recently repainted the sign, which has now been posted at the Forestry Service Building on the north side of the gorge at Mohican-Memorial State Forest. Nick’s artistic talents have graced the walls of Loudonville High School and other places throughout the community. His painting of the Mohican Gorge Overlook is displayed in Dr. Darrell Scott’s dental office in Loudonville. Nick plans to start his freshman year in college at Baldwin-Wallace College in the fall.
Smokey Bear, the guardian of our forests, is celebrating his 65th birthday on August 9. Dressed in a ranger hat, belted blue jeans and carrying a shovel, he has been a well-recognized wild fire prevention symbol. Today, Smokey Bear is one of the most famous advertising symbols in the world and is protected by federal law. He has his own private zip code, his own legal council and his own private committee to ensure that his name is used properly.
The ODNR Division of Forestry is celebrating Smokey’s 65th with a birthday cake and information on August 9 at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Stop by the ODNR Natural Resources Park to visit the 15-foot-tall Smokey any time during the fair and bring your camera. There is a special web page marking 65 years of Smokey’s accomplishments at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.
Smokey and his friends still have a lot of work to do. Residents must keep in mind Ohio regulations stating there is no open burning 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the spring fire season, which runs March through May, and fall fire season during October and November. The prohibition is implemented due to conditions that could readily allow for a wild fire to kindle and spread. Remember, “Only You Can Prevent Wild Fires!”
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
-30-
Editor's Note: For an image of Nick Snyder and the Smokey sign, please email beth.ruth@dnr.state.oh.us.
For further information, contact:
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
Tags:
|
|
|