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Smokey Bear birthday celebration

Smokey Bear

(UNDATED)- Multiple Michigan governmental departments are gearing up to celebrate the birthday of an American forest-preservation icon. Smokey Bear’s 75-year legacy of promoting safe, responsible enjoyment of the nation's forests will be celebrated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other partners next Friday (Aug. 9) at the Straits of Mackinac.  

Debbie Begalle, state forester and chief of the DNR Forest Resources Division, says “Smokey Bear has gently reminded us that it’s easy to take simple actions that go a long way toward protecting the places we love.” Begalle said that the message first rolled out in 1944 is still relevant today; nine out of 10 wildfires are started by people, and responsible practices can prevent unwanted fires.

For more information about fire prevention and safety, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Hans Ahlström is the host of several programs including the daily musical variety show Weekday, the mostly straight ahead jazz show Night Studio, the self explanatory Blues Today, and the eclectic Sound Spectrum. You can also hear Hans as the local host of NPR's All Things Considered news magazine. He also helps manage Public Radio 90's web content, interviews local and visiting writers and artists, works with NMU student interns, and writes the occasional news story.