Questions frequently asked about the SBA.

What is the Smokey Bear Association and what do they do?  It is a group of over 150 members from across the US who’s mission is to “Preserve Smokey’s Past, Promote His Present, Protect His Future.”

Who are the members and do they all collect Smokey Bear items?  Most do have collections but many members are an important part of Smokey Bear’s history and his future. 

Among the members are:

Ten Smokey Bear Award Winners: (The Oscar of the Smokey Bear world): 3 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze

One member has won three Smokey Bear Awards. Gold, Silver, Bronze. One of only three people to ever be so honored.

One member wrote the book Smokey Bear 20252

One member was the USFS National Smokey Bear Program Manager 1976-1982

One member wrote a historical novel about Smokey Bear, the cub.

One member is the owner and director of the Fire Lookout Museum (full of Smokey Bear rare items and displays)

One member is a Smokey Bear artist

One member worked with the Rudy Wenedlin family in setting up a Wenedlin Art Work Display, Rudy Wendelin and the Creation of an Icon at The Chrysler Museum of Art in Virginia

One member was part of the Smokey Bear 50th birthday celebration at the White House in Washington DC.

Two members were instrumental in setting up the Smokey Bear programs in Virginia, and California. Both have garnered national honors for the work.

Two members own Woodland Enterprises/Smokey Bear Gifts. One of the largest on-line retailer of Smokey Bear products. Their catalog is considered the bible of Smokey Bear items.

Three members had close ties with Smokey’s caretaker and artist Rudy Wenedlin.

Six or more of the top Smokey Bear collectors in the world are SBA members.

The Smokey Bear Museum in Capitan, NM is a member

The Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, NM is a member

Friends of the Smokey Bear Balloon Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to assisting federal, state, and local agencies to educate preventing human-caused wildfires are members.

The Smokey Bear Association has become the nationally recognized source for answers to questions ranging from manufacturing date, origin, value, and authenticity of Smokey Bear. When the Ad Council, USFS, The National Association of State Foresters were building their web page smokeybear.com/vault they relied heavily on the SBA for photos, descriptions and information about Smokey Bear memorabilia and collectibles.