Woodsy the Owl… Arise!

It has given me no end to amusement that this week’s biggest story had nothing to do with our hairstyles theme but was instead my throwaway post bemoaning the USDA Forest Service’s choice to revamp Woodsy the Owl. The internet is a harsh mistress.

Some pleasing harmonies: Christopher Taylor dug a little deeper and noticed that the new Woodsy had a new slogan to go along with his new deep-fried look, from “Give a hoot, don’t pollute” to “Lend a hand, care for the land”—this despite a study that 84% of children surveyed associated the “give a hoot” phrase with Woodsy. Taylor posits that the Forest Service may have been affected by the spotted owl kerfuffle of the ’90s, perhaps subconsciously.

Cartoonist “Ape Lad” was disturbed so by the notion that all old Woodsy costumes were to be burned that he drew this fine piece showing the ghost of Old Woodsy rising from the flames. (Larger versions available on Ape Lad’s Flickr page, suitable for framing.)

I actually have a called scheduled with the Forest Service Monday, where I hope to find out more about the story behind the decision. Thing is, the change happened a decade ago, and no one is quite sure who was involved. I sort of hope I get some static from them, as it would please me to file my first FoIA request about Woodsy the Owl. (Don’t get your hopes up. The Service people I’ve talked to so far have all been very nice.)