Forest Service makes actress Betty White honorary ranger (w/pic)

[The Straight Story]

WASHINGTON, November 9, 2010 -- Betty White's lifelong dedication to protecting wilderness and wildlife was recognized today when the U.S. Forest Service proclaimed her an honorary forest ranger.

White said in previous interviews that she wanted to be a forest ranger as a little girl, but that women were not allowed to do that then. During the ceremony at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell remarked that despite those challenges, she found ways to make a difference in conservation and animal welfare.

"I am sorry you couldn't join us before," said Tidwell. "Judging from your illustrious career, you would have made marvelous contributions to our agency and to the cause of conservation across the United States," he said. "Betty, you are a role model for little girls – for all of us – never to give up on our dreams."

Today’s U.S. Forest Service is 38-percent female, including rangers, scientists and leaders at every level.

White, after hugging Smokey Bear and receiving a forest ranger hat and badge, stressed the importance of protecting nature.


"Wilderness is getting harder and harder to find these days on our beautiful planet and we’re abusing our planet to the point of almost no return," she said. "In my heart I’ve been a forest ranger all my life, but now I’m official."



http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/11/betty-white.shtml

[Oceansaway]

1. K&R...n/t

[mopinko]

2. aawwwww

that's sweet.

[Tansy_Gold]

3. YOU GO, GIRL!!!

:yourock:

[sally cat]

4. She is so sweet!

[Scurrilous]

5. K & R

:thumbsup: