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.”
Town of Collins
Erie County
Law Enforcement: On Feb. 27, a Forest Ranger discovered a relatively recent video of two subjects illegally hiking in Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area. The Ranger identified and found the 18- and 19-year-olds from Tonawanda and ticketed both for violating the law that states no person shall enter the area within 15 feet of cliff edges; except on trails designated and marked by DEC; when engaged in ice climbing or rappelling by rope; or by authorized permit issued by DEC. DEC has undertaken a wide-ranging effort to ensure public safety at Zoar, including a new trail that provides visitors with the opportunity to view the cliffs from a safe and responsible distance. To avoid ongoing construction, go to the DEC Zoar Valley webpage for information and updates.
Town of Sweden
Monroe County
Public Outreach: On March 6, Forest Ranger Captain Wickens and Ranger Raffaldi-Smith attended the internship and job fair at SUNY Brockport. At the event, recruiters from more than 100 companies and agencies met college students to discuss possible jobs upon graduation. Rangers educated students about what it takes to become a Ranger, Civil Service exam requirements, and seasonal opportunities available for Assistant Forest Ranger positions.
Town of York
Livingston County
Public Outreach: On March 8, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Kennedy and Ranger Richer spoke to students from Mount Morris and York high schools at the York Central School District career day. Rangers explained their job duties and the requirements to become a Ranger. DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers also attended the event, along with New York State Police, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Wegmans, and Barilla America.
Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 9 at 4:20 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiking party reporting an individual with an ankle injury near the summit of Whiteface Mountain. When Rangers reached the three hikers from Quebec, they found that although the injury was not serious, the hikers were ill-prepared for conditions. Only one of the three had traction for their boots and all were wearing leggings without additional pants layers. In addition, the hikers didn’t have headlamps or navigational tools and were out of water. Rangers helped the trio back to the trailhead through the pouring rain before providing a courtesy ride to their vehicle. Rangers educated the hikers about preparedness and checking the weather before their next adventure. Resources were clear at 6:55 p.m.
Town of North Hudson
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 9 at 6:40 p.m., the Elk Lake Lodge caretaker called for Forest Ranger assistance for hikers in distress at the Slide Brook lean-to. At 7:20 p.m., Rangers determined the hiking group was actually in the Dix Mountain Wilderness and one of the hikers, a 29-year-old from Rochester, was suffering from nausea. Rangers reached the hikers at 10:25 p.m. and helped them through blizzard conditions back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 11:50 p.m.
City of Schenectady
Schenectady County
Private Land Recovery: On March 10 at 5:30 a.m., Schenectady Police requested Forest Ranger assistance to coordinate a search for a missing child, last seen near the General Electric campus off of River Road. The previous night, the infant’s mother was found in a building on the GE campus but did not know the location of her daughter. The baby’s blanket was found nearby. Twenty-two Forest Rangers participated in the search along with more than 100 law enforcement representatives, including members of the Schenectady Police Department, Schenectady Fire Department, Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, New York State Police, New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control, GE Security, and the FBI, focusing on the area between the blanket and the GE campus. At 12:36 p.m., a team of Schenectady Police SWAT members and a Forest Ranger found the infant in an old steam tunnel. The subject was rushed to the hospital where the infant was pronounced deceased.
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 has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.
