Smokey Bear and the Great Wilderness

by Elliott S Barker

Overview

In 1950, after a fire raged through an area in south-central New Mexico, a small bear cub was found clinging to a pine tree. The cub had suffered severe burns, and the fire fighters who rescued him were amazed that he could have survived such intense heat. So tiny he fit into a shoe box, the cub was taken to a veterinarian in Santa Fe and responded well to treatment. In time, fully recovered, he became a popular character in schools and social functions. Through the effort of Elliott S. Barker and others, the Bear was named Smokey and in time became a famous national symbol for forest fire prevention and wildlife conservation, eventually contributing to an increased awareness of the need for these measures. Also included in this book are stories about the author's experiences as Forest Supervisor, State Game Warden, and as Manager and Predator Warden for Vermejo Park in New Mexico. J. Frank Dobie said: "Barker writes exactly as he talks, and his talk is genuine. He talks of deer, elk, grizzlies, and mountain lions, and of people-women as well as men-who belong to the land." Barker was of pioneer stock, his parents having arrived in Sapello, New Mexico in a covered wagon and were among the early settlers of the Northern New Mexico wilderness. He was the author of many books.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780865340176
Publisher:	Sunstone Press
Publication date:	01/01/2016
Edition description:	1st ed
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	5.55(w) x 8.52(h) x 0.41(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Elliott Speer Barker, recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the New Mexico State University, was born at Moran, Texas, December 25, 1886. He came, with the family, to New Mexico in covered wagons at the age of three. He grew up on a ranch in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. He finished schooling with a high school diploma, then was a professional guide and hunter for three years. Next he was a U.S. Forest Ranger Supervisor for ten years, working under Dr. Aldo Leopold. He ranched for eleven years. After that a year was spent in charge of game management and predator control on 360,000 acre Vermejo Park ranch-game preserve. His book WHEN THE DOGS BARK TREED tells the story. From 1931 to 1953 Elliott served as New Mexico's State Game Warden and Director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. He got the Department out of politics, and greatly increased game and fish. Barker helped organize the National Wildlife Federation, served on its first Board of Directors and nine years as its State Representative. He was three times President of the Western Association of State Game and Fish Commissioners and one term President of the International Association of Game, Fish and Conservation Commissioners. He helped get the Wilderness Preservation Bill passed and was the author of six books, including RAMBLINGS IN THE FIELD OF CONSERVATION, also available from Sunstone Press.