New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.
In 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.
“DEC Forest Rangers are among the nation’s most versatile first responders, utilizing their expert training and wide-ranging knowledge to protect natural resources while encouraging responsible stewardship among those who visit State lands and sites,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Their expertise in wildland fire suppression, technical rescue techniques, and law enforcement mean that Rangers are always prepared to successfully execute critical missions, here in New York State, as well as across the continent.”
Towns of Hamilton, Middletown, Russia, Seward, and Stamford
Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, and Schoharie Counties
Wildfires: On Feb. 26, Forest Rangers responded to fires caused by debris burning in Delaware and Madison counties, including one a fire in town of Hamilton that was more than 20 acres. On Feb. 27, Rangers responded to fires in Delaware and Schoharie counties, both caused by debris burning with wind carrying fire to grassy and wooded areas. On Feb. 29, Rangers responded to a small fire in Herkimer County. To date, the winter season has not provided typical snow cover across much of New York State, leaving dormant vegetation from last year’s growing season exposed and susceptible to the daily fluctuations of spring weather. To help prevent fires, DEC is advocating extra vigilance before the statewide burn ban goes into effect on March 16.
Town of Greenfield
Saratoga County
Training: On Feb. 27, Forest Ranger Hess conducted flat ice rescue training for 30 members of the Greenfield Center and Providence Volunteer Fire Departments on Lake Desolation. Ranger Hess covered the basics of ice water rescue operations, including using throw ropes and bags to pull victims out of the water.
Town of Ashland
Chemung County
Law Enforcement: On Feb. 28, the Wellsburg Fire Chief requested Forest Ranger assistance with a wildfire believed to have been started by a person. Ranger Staples walked the perimeter of the 12.5-acre fire to determine its size and issued tickets to the responsible party for endangering the property of another and setting a fire without clearing three feet of inflammable materials.
Town of Wilton
Saratoga County
Training: On Feb. 29, Forest Rangers Hess and Nahor conducted ice rescue and safety awareness training for staff from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at Moreau Lake State Park.
Town of Henderson
Jefferson County
Wilderness Recovery: On Feb. 29 at 11 a.m., Jefferson County Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a missing person at Robert G. Wehle State Park. Rangers Dixon and Thomes responded with the Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police (NYSP). A car that belonged to the missing 32-year-old from Sacketts Harbor had been left in a parking lot for more than 24 hours. Search crews found a backpack near the bluff above Lake Ontario. NYSP drones flew along the bluff while crews walked the shoreline. They found a pair of boots and a pair of pants with a cell phone in different locations. The following morning, at 11 a.m., search crews located the subject deceased in the ice approximately two miles from their backpack.
Town of Grafton
Rensselaer County
Law Enforcement: On March 1 at 4 p.m., a Forest Ranger encountered two subjects illegally target shooting at Pittstown State Forest. The Ranger determined two subjects were in possession of multiple illegal, non-compliant firearms. The Ranger confiscated the guns at the scene and brought the subjects to New York State Police (NYSP) Brunswick barracks for further investigation. NYSP arrested the two men and executed two search warrants that resulted in the discovery of 3D printers, numerous firearms, and body armor. NYSP is continuing their investigation.
Town of Hunter
Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 1 at 4:50 p.m., Forest Rangers Dawson and Peterson responded to a report of a hiker stranded on the ice near Kaaterskill Falls. The 27-year-old from Maryland was wearing sneakers and did not have micro-spikes, which are needed to cross the ice-covered area. Hikers at the viewing platform saw the hiker was stuck on the ice and called for help. At 5:40 p.m., Ranger Dawson reached the hiker, provided micro-spikes and a hiking pole, and helped her off the ice. Rangers walked the subject back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 6:40 p.m.
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 1 at 7:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Lewis and Praczkajlo responded to a call for a hiker who had slid down Wright Mountain and lacerated his leg. The 43-year-old from New Jersey applied a makeshift tourniquet so he could continue hiking down the mountain with his hiking partner. Rangers reached the pair and assisted them to a waiting ambulance. Resources were clear at 8:30 p.m.
Village of Saranac Lake
Essex County
Rangers Win: On March 2 during their day off, six Forest Rangers participated in the Saranac Lake 3P (Pedal, Paddle, Pole.) The Forest Ranger team finished first in the team event and came in second place for their overall time.
Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescues: On March 2, Forest Rangers were called to two separate rescues in the Johns Brook Valley area. The two rescues were handled as one incident with Forest Ranger Praczkajlo assigning 30 Rangers while serving as incident commander. The first call was at 2:45 p.m. for a 61-year-old hiker from Pittsford who had suffered a lower leg injury on an icy trail on the west side of Saddleback Mountain approximately nine miles from the trailhead. Ranger Lewis served as the lead Ranger for this incident. At 4:10 p.m., the second call came in for a 38-year-old from Maryland who had injured his leg while sliding down the icy trail off Basin Mountain approximately nine miles from the trailhead. Ranger O’Connor served as lead Ranger for this incident.
The weather conditions prevented aviation-supported hoist rescues, so Rangers prepared for long and icy carry outs. Ranger O’Connor’s team reached their subject at 8:15 p.m., splinted his leg, and wrapped him in hypowrap to keep him warm during the carry out. Responding Rangers started with a sled system at 12:25 a.m., before transitioning to a four-person backpack system.
Ranger Lewis’ team reached their rescue location at 8:44 p.m. Their subject suffered a shoulder injury in addition to a leg injury. Due to the steep conditions, Ranger Lewis’ team set up a high-angle rope system to get the subject to the summit from the westside trail. At 1:58 a.m., the carry team began moving the subject in a sled system down to the Ore Brook trail. At 7:30 a.m., Ranger O’Connor’s team reached the Johns Brook Outpost and prepared the subject for ATV transport to Smiths Road. At the same time, Ranger Lewis’ team reached Ore Brook and transitioned to a backpack carry system. By 10:45 a.m., Rangers reached Smiths Road and transferred the patient to Keene Fire Department. All Rangers were clear at 12:30 p.m.
Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 3 at 5:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch was contacted by Garmin InReach regarding an SOS signal from a hiker off trail in the Seward Range. Coordinates placed the 70-year-old approximately one-half mile north of the Calkins Brook herd path. At 8:45 p.m., Forest Rangers Curcio and Praczkajlo made contact with the subject and helped him back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 11:30 p.m.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.
If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.
