Friends of the Forest, Inc.
P.O. Box 2391
Sedona, Arizona 86339-2391
Helping to protect
National Forest Lands
September 2013
Arizona Natural History Association in Partnership with National Forests
What could possibly compete with red rock vistas as a subject for photography in Sedona? More accurate would be to ask WHO could be a competitor? Standing 5 feet tall, clad in ranger hat, blue jeans and holding a shovel, the icon of the US Forest Service is a subject of fascination - even reverence. Since February 2013, Smokey Bear has stood on alert near the entrance to the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center, on Highway 179 south of the Village of Oak Creek. But this isn't a story about Smokey Bear, or his recent 69th birthday. Nor is this a story about Smokey's fire prevention message, vital as that is. Rather, this is a story about how Smokey got to Sedona earlier this year.
Given Sedona's location in the midst of extraordinary National Forest and Wilderness lands, it is not surprising that a network of local non-profit and volunteer organizations is working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to support the stewardship of our public lands. Some of these organizations are well known in the community, are visible around town or on the trails, or perhaps are writing regular columns and editorials in the newspapers. Most of us can name at least five such organizations. Yet, Smokey's arrival in Sedona provides a glimpse into an organization which you probably do not know, but may be inspired to support.
Twenty five years ago the Arizona Natural History Association was established as an essential partner to the Coconino, Tonto, Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The Association, also known as ANHA, supports educational and interpretive activities on the Forests, similar to a neighboring non-profit organization which may be more familiar - the Grand Canyon Association. Similar to the national park associations, ANHA is operating retail shops in Forest Service facilities, selling books, maps and interpretive material, sponsoring educational activities and channeling its business proceeds for support of National Forest public education programs. Our local Red Rock District comprises its largest operation, among a total of eighteen locations on four Arizona National Forests.
So, back to Smokey. Life-size Smokeys are not standard issue for National Forest Visitor Centers, especially in a time of tight budgets. However, the Red Rock Ranger District was able to access Arizona Natural History Association aid funds to procure Smokey, who now serves as a focal point for fire prevention awareness and education. "And he is as popular with our visitors as Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte for photographs - while providing the inspiration for conversation with visitors about fire safety", said Nina Hubbard, Supervisory Visitor Services Assistant for the Red Rock District. " We are fortunate to have ANHA support for the Smokey fire prevention program, campground and children's programs, and Visitor Center exhibits including our new film about the Red Rock District, showing every 30 minutes here at the Visitor Center," noted Hubbard.
Arizona Natural History Association Executive Director Pam Marshall said, "Projects recently supported by ANHA aid funds on other Arizona National Forests include wildlife exhibits for the Rim Visitor Center on the Apache-Sitgreaves Forests, and interpretive signage for the Coconino Flagstaff District. A certified wildlife habitat was funded at the Verde Ranger station, on the Prescott Forest."
Such projects don't just benefit visitors to the National Forests. Strengthening good stewardship of the environment and safe recreation practices directly benefits the surroundings and wildlife which we treasure. What's more, the AZ Natural History Association outlets have great content for us local folks. Whether you need a trail map, a guidebook on local geology, plants, animals, hikes or drives, a gift item representing our region, or a hat and sunscreen, the ANHA shops offer items selected with care, and represent the Association's stated mission of encouraging "the informed and sensitive use of public lands and resources in the Southwest." The shops feature the work of local authors, artists, photographers and musicians. All sales by this non-profit organization are tax free, and help to fund education-related projects for the National Forests.
ANHA outlets in our area are located at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center, the Palatki and V Bar V cultural heritage sites, the Oak Creek Vista on Highway 89A at the top of the Oak Creek switchbacks, and at the Verde Valley Archaeology Center on Main Street in Camp Verde. At these locations, the Arizona Natural History Association is an integral part of the network of organizations and volunteers dedicated to knowledge, enjoyment and preservation of our forest resources.
Welcome to Sedona Smokey Bear.
See www.aznaturalhistory.org and www.friendsoftheforestsedona.org for information.
Serving Sedona, written this week by Jennifer Young, Vice President of Friends of the Forest and ANHA Board Director, appears Wednesday in the Sedona Red Rock News.