Cruise Booking Growth Especially Strong for Non-Traditional Itineraries
19.03.2024 - 22:13 / forbes.com
Most Americans recognize the popular and longest running public service announcement, “Only you can prevent wildfires”, Smokey Bear’s signature catchphrase. Today this motto still rings true, 80 years later, as climate change, extreme weather, drought, and the overall health of our forest ecosystems have made disastrous wildfires more widespread.
The origins of Smokey Bear date back to World War II when the U.S. needed to come up with a solid plan to prevent human-caused wildfires. In 1942, the USDA Forest Service put together the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention program, collaborating with the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council. As with many advertisements of the time, wildfire prevention slogans worked in tandem with the war effort with mottos like, “Forest Fires Aid the Enemy.”
It wasn’t long before a mascot was developed. In 1944 a charming black bear became the face of wildfire prevention efforts. Many might be surprised to learn that the original mantra of Smokey Bear was, “Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires”, which was changed to “Only you can prevent forest fires” in 1947. In 2001 we were gifted with a new iteration, “Only you can prevent wildfires”, which makes an important distinction between unintentional human-caused fires and calculated controlled burns.
A living representation of Smokey Bear was a rescued black bear cub who narrowly survived a forest fire in New Mexico. The real life Smokey Bear lived in Washington D.C.’s National Zoo from 1950—1976, where he received so much hand written fan mail that he was designated his own zip code (an honor only given to the president of the United States). When Smokey Bear finally passed, he was buried in New Mexico near where he was originally found at the Smokey Bear Historical Park.
In 2019, a new Smokey Bear outdoor exhibit opened at the zoo, made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service (USDA). Visitors can see photographs from the archives and learn about the black bear’s long-standing legacy as an important ambassador for wildfire prevention and wildlife conservation.
Smokey Bear’s message is still important today, maybe even more so. Human caused wildfires make up a large percentage of fires. The National Park Service cites research from Wildland Fire Management Information and U.S. Forest Service Research Data Archive that summarizes nearly 85% of wildland fires in America are caused by humans. Totally preventable, these fires happen as a result of unattended campfires, debris burning, improper use of equipment, carelessly discarded cigarettes, and intentional arson.
Actionable Tips for Wildfire Prevention
Cruise Booking Growth Especially Strong for Non-Traditional Itineraries
A trip to Albuquerque offers a unique chance to care for yourself.
Our aim is to arm you with the information needed to plan your next green getaway responsibly and enjoyably.
Major hotel companies are in collaboration with Green Key Global, as AHLA and HAC solidify partnership deal to expand further into U.S. and Canada.
JetBlue increased baggage fees for the second time in a couple months, introducing a new peak and off-peak pricing structure.
American Airlines is making it easier to travel with pets, changing its policy to allow travelers to bring a free carry-on bag in addition to their furry friend.
The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic has announced the return of its D.R. Tourism Trade Show in Miami, FL. Scheduled for April 3 at the JW Marriott Marquis, the Tradeshow is set to showcase the Dominican Republic’s undeniable allure and adventurous offerings, further establishing its position as a premier tourist destination.
First invented in 1965 on Washington’s Bainbridge Island, pickleball has morphed from a casual backyard sport to a global sensation that’s taking the world by storm—and in the mid-2020s, this beloved activity is gearing up to become more popular than ever. While the sport has been popping up at world-class resorts all across the United States, courts have extended to some of the east coast’s most cosmopolitan cities as well, with the New York-based CityPickle leading the charge. Established in the summer of 2021, this lavish lifestyle brand made waves by opening Long Island City’s first indoor pickleball club, with multiple seasonal popups spanning from Brooklyn down to Philadelphia.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is warning travelers to pack their patience and prepare for potential delays and airport snags if they’re flying during the total solar eclipse next month.
American Express is at it again with credit card changes for its cobranded Hilton cards, but this time, the changes target the business version.
Not long ago, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey was viewed as one of the worst airports to have a layover in. But with the opening of the futuristic 1-million-square-foot Terminal A in January 2023, Newark Airport has had a glow-up—and the travel industry has noticed.
As the world prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics from Paris between July 26 and August 11, Air France is expanding service to the United States and North America to support the increased demand.