Geocaching HQ Contact: Chris Ronan

chris@geocaching.com

Geocaching HQ and Smokey Bear team up to advocate wildfire prevention

Limited-edition Smokey Bear 75th birthday geocaching game pieces to be given away

Seattle, WA (April 16, 2019) – To celebrate Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday, Geocaching HQ is partnering with the three managers of the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign—the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council—to create limited-edition Smokey Bear trackable game pieces.

Though Smokey has been essential to the reduction of unwanted, human-caused wildfires over the last 75 years, his work isn’t over. Even today, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by people, and with more of us living, working and recreating closer to wildlands, Smokey’s message is more important than ever before.

1,500 custom Smokey Bear trackable game pieces will be released into the game of geocaching. Anyone living in the United States can register to receive one at Geocaching.com/SmokeyBear from April 16-23, 2019. Each game piece has a unique tracking number engraved on it and will travel throughout the game until it’s released by the owner. Geocachers are encouraged to share photos of their experiences with Smokey Bear trackables on social using #SmokeyBear75.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the 75th birthday of Smokey, one of the most loved ambassadors of our time, and help him protect our forests and the geocaches hidden inside them,” said Bryan Roth, Geocaching HQ Co-Founder and President. “We know the geocaching community will be excited to honor Smokey and the timeless message of wildfire prevention.”

There are more than a million geocaches across the United States, and over 3.1 million geocaches worldwide. Players use the Geocaching® app or GPS device to find and log these geocaches.

To learn more, visit www.geocaching.com/SmokeyBear.

About Geocaching HQ:

Based in Seattle, Geocaching HQ supports the global community-based activity of geocaching. The company’s 80+ employees develop innovative products and services including Geocaching.com and the Geocaching® app that inspire and enable discovery, exploration, and adventure in more than 190 countries.

About Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Campaign:

Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history, educating generations of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. As one of the world's most recognizable characters, Smokey's image is protected by U.S. federal law and is administered by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council. Despite the campaign's success over the years, wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical issues affecting our country. Smokey's message is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944.

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