Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 | 5:32 p.m.
A memorial service is set for March 3 in Carson City for Lowell V. "Lody" Smith, who served as state forester-fire warden for 17 years under four governors.
Among many things, Smith will be remembered for establishing 10 prison camps allowing inmates to work on conservation projects, public benefit programs and in firefighting efforts.
Born in December 1936, Smith died Tuesday. The family is asking that donations be made to the Carson Tahoe Hospital.
Smith was hired in 1957 as the second full-time firefighter for the Nevada Division of Forestry. He was later promoted to a regional forester.
Gov. Mike O'Callaghan named him forester-fire warden in 1975 and he was reappointed by Govs. Robert List, Richard Bryan and Bob Miller.
He retired in 1992.
He is credited with expanding state conservation nursery programs and creating fire protection districts.
He was president of the National Association of State Foresters and served two terms as chairman of the Forest Fire Prevention Committee that oversees the national Smokey Bear campaign.
He is survived by Joyce, his wife of 54 years, daughters Cindy Bibeau and Lisa Batzloff, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
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