Keep Montana Green was formed in 1945 as a 501c3 non-profit that is dedicated to the prevention of human-caused wildfires.

"Almost 90% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by people," according to the U.S. Department of Interior and the Insurance Information Institute.

The specific causes cited are unattended campfires, burning of debris, downed power line, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson. This means 10-15% of forest fires start from natural causes such as lightning which can set trees on fire.

Stats like these is the obvious reason why Smokey Bear has been on the job since August 9, 1944 with no end in sight. One way that Keep Montana Green maintains active in public education is with an annual statewide art contest that started 60 years ago.

The objectives are to educate Montana’s youth on ways to reduce human caused wildland fires; assist educators with teaching fire safety and prevention and finally, to utilize ideas and messages from an art contest that is used in fire prevention programs.

“The Keep Montana Green Art Contest is a great way to involve Montana youth in furthering human-caused fire prevention awareness. DNRC (Department of Natural Resources and Conservation) is proud to be a partner in the effort!”, said Kristin Mortenson, DNRC Community Preparedness & Fire Prevention.

She explained that the entries are judged on multiple dimensions, including originality, design, slogan, artwork, and prevention message. “With over 340 entries from DNRC Southwest Land Office area schools alone, the contest was extremely competitive. Winners of the statewide competition, that will include all the regional first, second, and third place division winners, will be announced April 2.

Regional Winners include a sister and a brother from Superior who did very well. In the Intermediate Division – Grades 4-6, second place went to Liam Wheeler.

He shared that he likes to draw comics and sketches, but when it comes to serious art, more work is involved.

“I use a reference photo to get the basics down. Then I add my own ideas and study the completed drawing. Lots of times I start all over. For this contest, I did it freehand a few times before I was happy with it.”

Liam’s older sister, Abby, won third place in the Junior Division for her project which wasn’t her first ribbon for art.

“I won exactly what Liam did when I was in the same (sixth) grade. That was for the regionals, but then it went on to win state,” she modestly said.

Abby said she has been drawing since she was ‘a little kid’ and loves to doodle. This year’s KMG Art Contest winners can be viewed at: keepmontanagreen.com.

The March 16 U.S. Drought Monitor Map shows western Montana is no longer abnormally dry, which sounds promising for a smaller wildfire season, but so much depends on the spring rains.

One would think that after 77 years, Smokey Bear could retire but with nine out of 10 wildland fires being caused by humans, he is going to continue to remind us that, “Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires.”