2009 National Smokey Bear Award Nominations Due January 15, 2009

The 2009 National Smokey Bear Awards nomination period is now open. Every year, this prestigious awards program recognizes organizations and /or individuals for outstanding service in wildfire prevention programs. These awards remind us of the hard work our employees and cooperators do to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. This awards program is an initiative of the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Advertising Council.

There are three nomination categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Awards categories recognize outstanding, sustained service of at least two years with significant program impact in wildfire prevention at the national level (Gold), multi-state level (Silver), and statewide level (Bronze).

The nominations for the 2009 National Smokey Bear Awards will be evaluated against specific criteria that measure the scope, program impact, partnerships, and unique qualities of each nominee. You will find the 2009 Nomination Form enclosed. The nomination form and other program related information also are located on the following web site: http://www.symbols.gov/smokey/smokeybear-awards/index.

Please send all nominations to Roberta D’Amico, Fire Communications and Education National Program Leader with the National Park Service, by close of business on January 15, 2009. Roberta can also answer any questions you may have regarding the nomination process. She can be reached at

Roberta D’Amico (Roberta_D’Amico@nps.gov)
US Department of the Interior, National Park Service
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
3833 S. Development Ave.
Boise, ID 83705-5354
Phone: (208) 387-5239, FAX: (208) 387-5250

Please include all supporting documentation and materials with your nomination package. Electronic nominations also will be accepted. Nomination packages must be complete, as they will be evaluated as submitted. Roberta D’Amico will forward all NPS nominations to the US Forest Service Fire Prevention Manager in Washington, DC by close of business on January 22, 2009.

Thank you for your support of the National Smokey Bear Awards. I look forward to receiving your nominations.

Sincerely,

James E. Hubbard
Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry