DEC Seeks Bandit Who Stole ‘Smokey Bear’ Sign

New York forest rangers are seeking the person or person responsible for stealing the new sign that was erected in August to commemorate 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 August 9 and 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.

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