Department of Agriculture Forest Service launched its new and improved Junior Forest Ranger (JFR) program by
enrolling nearly 100 fifth-grade students from Denver's Ellis Elementary School into the conservation education program.

“The future of our natural resources and their management will one day be
in the hands of today's youth,” said Kent Connaughton, Forest Service
associate deputy chief for state and private forestry, at an event here at
Recreation Equipment Inc.'s flagship store. “The new JFR program can help
prepare our young people for this important responsibility by connecting
them to the land and fostering their interest in effective land
stewardship.”

First introduced in 1954 as part of a public service campaign for the
Smokey Bear fire prevention program, the JFR program was designed to
encourage a fire prevention ethic in children. Within three years, one
million children were recruited, which led to Smokey being assigned his own
zip code.

The updated program includes more components to enrich children's (ages 7
to 13) understanding of the spectrum of land management activities,
covering topics such as fire ecology and ecosystem management. Upon
enrolling in the program, children will receive an Adventure Guide designed
to stimulate their enthusiasm for outdoor activities and their
understanding of the environment. The guide will also provide kids with
information on Forest Service programs and volunteer opportunities and
youth programs in their area. Participants will also receive an embroidered
badge, an agency pin, an individual oath pledge card and a program card to
permit access to the web-based JFR Clubhouse.

Two non-profit interpretive associations–the Cradle of Forestry
(Asheville, N.C.) and the San Juan Mountains (Durango, Colo.)–also joined
in the effort today by partnering with the Forest Service to help build the
program. The Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association will pilot a JFR
camp program and develop curricula for use in its educational program
activities to help kids become familiar with the principles of fire
prevention and the conservation of natural resources. The San Juan Mountain
Interpretive Association will distribute the adventure guide at community
events and school activities. With help from its partners, the agency
intends to induct 25,000 children into the program over the next year.