Statement from Chief Tidwell on the death of firefighter Luke Sheehy

It is with a very heavy heart I write to inform you of the loss of a firefighter, a smoke jumper, and one of our Forest Service family members. Luke Sheehy, a 28-year-old firefighter from Susanville, Calif., died June 10 as a result of injuries received on a wildfire on the Modoc National Forest in northeast California. Luke, a member of the California Smokejumpers based out of Redding, was struck by a falling dead tree on the Saddle Back Fire in the South Warner Wilderness about 15 miles southeast of Alturas, Calif. Efforts to resuscitate him were not successful. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this brave young smokejumper who lost his life working with his team. We are launching a full review into the cause of his death to learn everything we can to prevent future tragedies like this.

Birds, bees, bats, butterflies and beetles are among the critters that are vital to our delicate ecosystem. Pollinators support wildlife, help to keep our watersheds healthy and help increase crop yields. Read how more about pollinators and how the Monongahela National Forest is dedicated to their pollinator garden.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2013 –U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today officially awarded a Porter Ranch, Calif., fourth-grader with the top prize in the 2013 Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest co-sponsored by the National Garden Clubs Inc. Crystal Baik received a trophy, a framed copy of her art and a Smokey Bear doll for her full-color poster depicting a couple inside of a tent while their campfire blazes in the night. She included Smokey Bear saying, “Don’t forget to turn out the campfire!” Another element to her scene includes forest animals scurrying away as fire begins to burn the tent.

Faces of the Forest: Meet Jim Lootens-White

Lootens-White, an information technology specialist, has a keen interest in interpreting scientific data and helping Northern Research Station scientists by developing web projects to highlight their compelling research. An early morning period of reflection or a jog along Chicago’s lakefront often provides the inspiration. Self-described as a bit of an introvert he also enjoys the team effort involved in his work. The Forest Service mission of caring for the land and serving people continues to resonate deeply for him. It’s a way of giving back.