Smokey Bear 75th Anniversary GeoTour
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. 75 years later, Smokey is celebrating a milestone birthday. Honor him and this timeless message of wildfire prevention by finding all 75 caches in this GeoTour.
About This Specific Location
Placed with the permission of the Ohio Division of Forestry. You should not have to climb the firetower to access this geocache. This is 1 of 10 hidden Smokey Bear geocaches in OH and 1 of 75 hidden on the entire GeoTour which is located in the following 7 states: VA, MD, OH, DE, NJ, PA and WV.
This 100-foot firetower was constructed in 1937. Millions of years ago the area now known as Ohio was inundated by a shallow inland sea.
The bedrock materials of Ohio are sedimentary and were formed beneath this sea. They are either comprised of limestone, shale or sandstone. In the Blue Rock State Forest area, the bedrock material is blue-colored sedimentary shale, hence, the name of the forest. Land Acquisition for Blue Rock State Forest began in 1937. During the 1930’s the federal government formed the Resettlement Administration to address the impoverished conditions on marginal agricultural areas across the nation. The Resettlement Administration initiated the Land Utilization Program. Through this program, unproductive and abandoned farmlands were acquired to promote forest management and provide recreational opportunities.
The area around Blue Rock, Ohio, was one of these resettlement areas. Restoration was begun through application of erosion control devices and planting of tree seedlings. Other improvements, including roads, numerous firebreaks, wildlife ponds, and public facilities were constructed, many with the assistance of such programs as the WPA and CCC. Trees were planted by the CCC and a fire tower was constructed. Operational control of this area was turned over to the Division of Forestry in 1939. In 1949 the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) was formed and management of Cutler Lake and the adjoining recreational facilities (Blue Rock State Park) was transferred to the Division of Parks.
The Division of Forestry was transferred from the Agricultural Experiment Station to the new ODNR. Management of the forest remained with the Division of Forestry. In September of 1958, surface ownership of both park and forest land was transferred to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources from the US Bureau of Land Management. The BLM retained 75% of the mineral ownership under this land. Blue Rock State Forest has become one of Ohio’s most beautiful and productive forests.
More About This GeoTour
By visiting all of these locations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why it is so important to prevent wildfires - whether in your backyard or out in the forest. The Middle-Atlantic Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact are the Hosts of this GeoTour. We offer several trackable prizes so please use this GeoTour Passport to keep track of your progress.