SGSF Recognized as Part of Gold Smokey Bear Award-Winning Partnership

The Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) and its members are proud to announce they have earned a 2026 Golden Smokey Bear Award for their role in a first-of-its-kind wildfire prevention exhibit at the world’s busiest airport. Led by the USDA Forest Service Southern Region Fire and Aviation Management team, the collaborative effort brought together federal and state partners to deliver Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention message to millions of domestic and international travelers. The award is one of the nation’s highest honors in wildfire prevention, presented by the National Association of State Foresters, the Ad Council and the USDA Forest Service.

Wildfire Prevention Takes Flight

During Fire Prevention Week last October, travelers passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport encountered something unexpected: a full art exhibit featuring Rudy Wendelin’s iconic Smokey Bear paintings, staffed by southern state forestry agency personnel answering questions and sharing wildfire prevention tips. Smokey Bear himself made appearances and greeted families and kids. Working alongside the USDA Forest Service Southern Region Fire and Aviation Management and the airport’s art program, SGSF member agencies helped bring Smokey’s timeless message to one of the most diverse audiences in the world.

Southern States Deliver

When a federal funding lapse threatened to stall the effort in fall 2025, SGSF and southern state forestry staff stepped up, without hesitation, to ensure the exhibit continued without interruption. Personnel from the Georgia Forestry Commission, Florida Forest Service, South Carolina Forestry Commission and Mississippi Forestry Commission staffed information tables, greeted travelers and engaged directly with the public throughout the exhibit. That kind of response is exactly what southern forestry partnerships are built for.

The Impact

The exhibit reached an estimated 9 million passengers in October 2025 alone. With exhibit components remaining on display through September 2026 at an airport that serves over 100 million passengers annually, the project is on track to reach tens of millions more. Unlike traditional regional outreach, this effort put Smokey’s message in front of interstate and international travelers from all 50 states and dozens of countries, many of whom visit and recreate in forests and wildland areas across America. Families stopped for photos with Smokey and Images spread on social media, expanding the message well beyond the airport and regional footprint.

Recognition Well Earned

“Wildfire prevention saves millions of dollars in suppression costs each year while helping save lives and property,” said Mark Goeller, NASF Vice President of Fire Programs. “This year’s Smokey Bear Award winners have implemented meaningful wildfire prevention that will continue to reduce wildfire impacts at the state, regional, and national level.”

The 2026 Smokey Bear Awards will be presented at the National Association of State Foresters Annual Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky.