Smokey Bear to be replaced by a squirrel?

[Skywatcher]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51484-2002Aug22.html

[Skywatcher]

the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, an advocacy group that represents current and former Forest Service workers and others. The group argues that no one can prevent fires and that the Forest Service ought to be emphasizing, instead, how the public can prepare for those inevitable wildland blazes.

To make its case, the group has introduced its own mascot: Reddy Squirrel, a rake-toting red squirrel that, as its name suggests, is always ready for the next fire. Reddy’s motto? “No one can prevent forest fires. Be ready!”

The campaign is aimed at those who live in or near forests – and the insurance companies that underwrite their homes, said Andy Stahl, executive director of the group.

He says his group cannot match the Forest Service’s promotion budget – thus far, his group has spent just $25 on the character. But the group is still planning to create a Web-based cartoon, television and radio spots, and packets of information for homeowners.

And, the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics is hoping the old bear might take an early retirement.

[Nocturne]

Only YOU can prevent gonads and strife.

Weeeeee!

[ElwoodCuse]

They should make it be the famous internet squirrel with the giant nutsack.

[mobo85]

Smokey himself is getting a new message: “Only you can prevent wildfires,” as mentioned in the article. Although Smokey’s original line is still well-known, eventually, Reddy Squirrel’s line will be obsolete.