Retro Characters, Messages Endure

Who would have thought that retro icons Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl would have as much appeal today as ever? A new generation took to them (with lots of high-fives and hugs). And their conservation messages, (Smokey's "Only you can prevent forest fires," and Woodsy's "Give a hoot – don't pollute!") endure.

It was all part of the Fun in the Forests weekend, a kickoff to the recreation season with leave-no-trace camping activities. Kids as well as parents had a lot of fun meeting the U.S. Forest Service firefighters, touring their cool truck, and our new exhibit Year of the Forest: Respectful Recreation.

Miniature mock forests were set on fire in a fun, hands-on educational program that clearly illustrated factors such as wind in forest fires. And at our 1930s ranger station, the "OldSmokeys" (U.S.F.S. retirees) chatted with visitors about wildfire prevention and the evolving roles of the Forest Service.

As the weekend came to an end, firefighters got ready for the fire season awaiting them, and visitors were better prepared for it.

You can see KOHD's coverage of it at http://kohd.com/page/174907