Portsmouth, OH – December 10, 2024
The iconic Portsmouth Floodwall, known for its vivid depictions of Ohio River Valley history, has gained a striking new addition: a Smokey Bear mural. The artwork, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, is the result of a two-year collaboration between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry and Portsmouth Murals Inc.
Renowned artist Robert Dafford, who began painting murals on the Portsmouth Floodwall in 1993, completed the Smokey Bear mural, bringing the total number of murals on the wall to 55. Located on Second Street at the west end of Portsmouth, the mural features Smokey Bear alongside images of Shawnee State Forest and wildland firefighters from both the past and present.
“We are pleased to see this concept come to fruition,” said Dan Balser, Chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Robert Dafford has done a fantastic job encapsulating the rich history of wildland firefighting in the Portsmouth area and many other rural Ohio communities.”
The mural celebrates Shawnee State Forest, nicknamed “The Little Smokies of Ohio.” Spanning over 60,000 acres, it is one of Ohio’s largest state forests and is sustainably managed for timber harvesting, wildlife habitat, soil protection, and wildfire suppression. Each year, Ohio faces hundreds of wildfires, many near residential areas. Smokey Bear, a national symbol of wildfire prevention, is featured prominently in the mural to promote awareness and encourage safe practices.
This new addition to the floodwall not only enhances the city’s artistic landscape but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing wildfires and the contributions of wildland firefighters to Ohio’s safety and environment.
