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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Komadina

DATE TYPED 2/3/2005 HB

SHORT TITLE Smokey The Bear, In Recognition

SB SM4

ANALYST Aguilar

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources (EMNRD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Memorial 4 recognizes the Smokey Bear fire prevention message and supports fundrais-

ing efforts of the Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon, Inc. to purchase a new Smokey Bear hot air

balloon.

Significant Issues

In 1993, the Friends of Smokey Bear, Inc., a non-profit organization, created the Smokey Bear

hot air balloon and began a mission to spread Smokey Bear’s fire prevention message on all

America’s public lands. During eleven years, the balloon has traveled across the United States,

Canada and the Netherlands to promote fire prevention.

The balloon was destroyed in an accident, during the 2004 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and the

Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon will replace the balloon with donations from supporters, includ-

ing Citadel Radio Group, whose tower was damaged in the accident.

Senate Memorial 4 -- Page 2

The Memorial resolves 2005 be recognized as the sixtieth anniversary celebration of the Smokey

Bear fire prevention message and the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the US For-

est Service and that all residents of New Mexico be urged to support the friends of Smokey Bear

Balloon, Inc. in its efforts to raise funds for a new Smokey Bear hot air balloon. The Memorial

also resolves the memorial be transmitted to the Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon, Inc.

Smokey Bear Balloon flights support the Forestry Division’s fire prevention effort. As the na-

tional symbol of fire prevention, Smokey Bear is familiar to millions of people throughout the

world. Nonetheless, there is always need to present Smokey’s message to new generations of

young people. Smokey Bear stimulates children’s learning process and imagination wherever he

is.

The National Association of State Foresters, of which the New Mexico Forestry Division is a

member, works with the US Forest Service and the Ad Council to support Smokey Bear’s mes-

sage. Smokey Bear is one of the best known symbols in America, and over fifty years of work

has lead to one of the most successful public service campaigns in history. Knowledge about the

dangers of catastrophic wildfire is increasingly important as more people visit and occupy forests

and wildland areas for recreation and permanent residence.

PA/yr