Environment DEC
From the August 2006 issue
Come Celebrate Smokey Bear's 62nd Birthday at Mount Loretto
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Regional Director Louis Oliva recently announced the upcoming 62nd birthday party for Smokey Bear at Mount Loretto Unique Area, located at 6450 Hylan Boulevard on Staten Island. The event will be held along the road leading to the bluffs from the parking lot.
A Fun-filled Day
Smokey Bear travels the country
teaching school children how to
prevent forest fires
"The public is welcome to join the New York State Department of Environmental in celebrating Smokey Bear's 62nd birthday on Sunday, August 6, 2006, from 1 to 4 PM," Director Oliva said. "DEC's forest rangers will escort the guest of honor, Smokey Bear. Many agencies will also be on hand during the party to talk with children about the dangers of matches and fire as well as other environmental and safety issues."
New York State Forest Rangers will bring wildland firefighting equipment for the public to see. The National Park Service, New York State Police, and Fire Department of the City of New York will also exhibit their equipment. The National Park Service, Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, Greenbelt Education Center, and the New York City Urban Park Rangers will have displays. Of course, the furry guest of honor, Smokey Bear, will also greet everyone who comes to wish him a happy birthday.
Smokey Bear: This is Your Life!
The United States Forest Service (USFS) campaign starring Smokey Bear and the famous slogan "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!" started on August 9, 1944. For more than six decades, Smokey Bear has educated school children and the public about careless actions that start forest fires. In June of 1950, a bear cub was rescued from a wildfire by a USFS forest ranger in New Mexico. The cub was named Smokey Bear and nursed back to health. He was then moved to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where he became the living symbol of the educational effort to prevent forest fires.
Event Details
Event: Smokey Bear's Birthday Bash
Where: Mount Loretto Unique Area, 6450 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island
Date: Sunday, August 6, 2006
Time: 1 to 4 PM
Directions: Just east of the intersection of Page Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, across the street from the MIV/CYO building.
