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5C PROCLAMATION CONGRATULATING SMOKEY BEAR IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA WHEREAS, on August 9th, 2019, Smokey Bear celebrated his 75th birthday, which also marked his wildfire prevention campaign as the longest -running public service campaign in U.S. history, voicing a message even more relevant today than in 1944, as more people live closer to natural areas — so, no retirement for Smokey; and, WHEREAS, the mission of the Florida Forest Service is to protect Florida and its people from the dangers of wildland fire and manage our forest resources through its stewardship ethic to assure they are available for future generations; and, WHEREAS, in the last five years Florida Forest Service Wildland Firefighters have responded to over 107 wildfires in Indian River County that burned 3,120 acres, in many instances threatening communities and adjoining infrastructure; and, WHEREAS, the Florida Forest Service is actively engaged in promoting and conducting prescribed burns and other wildfire mitigation practices to reduce the size and intensity of wildfires that may threaten communities and other infrastructure, providing 3,659 burn authorizations to local ranchers, farmers and land managers in Indian River County in the last five years alone to maintain and restore natural ecosystems and reduce the wildfire hazard. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that Smokey Bear is congratulated on his 75th birthday and his continued efforts to remind citizens to be careful when using fire in natural areas. Further, the Board commends the men and women of the Florida Forest Service for their partnership with Indian River County and Smokey Bear in wildfire prevention and mitigation. Adopted this 13th day of August, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA Bob Solari, Chairman Susan Adams, Vice Chairman Peter D. O'Bryan Joseph E. Flescher Tim Zorc 2