DEC Seeks Bandit WhoStole 'Smokey Bear' Sign

Forest Rangers Investigating Theft of 

New Commemorative Sign Installed 

on Smokey Bear's 75th Anniversary

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers are asking for the public's assistance regarding the destruction and theft of a sign erected at DEC's Otis Pike Preserve - West, at the intersection of Line Road and Grumman Road in Manorville.

The sign was installed on Aug. 9, 2019, to honor Smokey Bear's 75th anniversary as the nation's forest fire prevention symbol. The sign appears to have been cut down during the week of Oct. 7.

The sign was located on 20-acre grassland field east of Line Road and just south of Grumman Road in Manorville. The field has long been used by DEC Forest Rangers and volunteers to teach about wildfire control efforts, such as prescribed fires.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is encouraged to call DEC's Office of Public Protection at (518) 408-5858.

https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html