HomeMy WebLinkAbout14-099RESOLUTION NO. 14-099
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING AUGUST 9, 2014 AS THE 70T" BIRTHDAY OF SMOKEY BEAR AND
CONGRATULATING SMOKEY BEAR FOR HIS CONTINUED EFFORTS TO REMIND CITIZENS TO BE
CAREFUL WHEN USING FIRE IN NATURAL AREAS IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. On August 9, 2014, Smokey Bear celebrates his 70th birthday, which also marks his
wildfire prevention campaign as the longest running public service campaign in U.S. history.
Smokey's message is as relevant today as it was in 1944. In fact, his message is even more relevant
today as people are living closer and closer to natural areas - so no retirement for Smokey!
2. The Florida Forest Service, Okeechobee District, is responsible for educating the
public in the best practices to prevent wildfires and educating homeowners on how to reduce their
wildfire risk in a six county area, including St. Lucie County.
3. In the last five years, Florida Fire Service, Okeechobee District, State Wildland
Firefighters have responded to over 155 wildfires in St. Lucie County that have burned 3,017.3
acres.
4. When the Florida Forest Service is NOT actively engaged in fighting wildfires, they
are conducting prescribed burns, mowing and chopping vegetative fuels in high wildfire risk areas
in St. Lucie County to reduce the size and intensity of a wildfire near communities. In the last five
years, the Florida Forest Service provided 5,365 burn authorizations to local ranchers, farmers and
land managers to prune, clean and remove insects and exotics.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board does hereby proclaim August 9, 2014, as "THE 70T" BIRTHDAY OF
SMOKEY BEAR" and congratulate Smokey on his continued efforts to remind citizens to be careful
when using fire in natural areas in St. Lucie County, Florida.
2. This Board also commends the men and women of the Florida Forest Service for their
partnership with St. Lucie County and Smokey Bear in wildfire prevention and mitigation.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 15h day of July, 2014.
ATTEST:
DEPUTY CLERK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
CHAIR
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND
CORRECTNESS:
COUNTY ATTORNEY