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 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.
“From wildfires, to floods, to search and rescue operations, whenever emergencies strike, DEC’s Forest Rangers are always the first to jump into action,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “I commend our Rangers for their heroic work to keep New Yorkers and our visitors safe in some of the most adverse conditions in the world, and for leading the state’s response to emergency situations. Their efforts to inspire the next generation of safe and responsible outdoor enthusiasts are instrumental in DEC’s efforts to support the outdoor recreation economy, and I encourage all New Yorkers interested in joining our ranks to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger and be part of their historic legacy of protecting New York’s forests."
Town of Hunter
Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On Jan. 24 at 11:41 a.m., Greene County requested Forest Ranger assistance to rescue an injured ice climber at Buttermilk Falls. After the fall, the climber lowered himself down four more pitches when he encountered a group of ice climbers who called for help. The climbers provided care for his unstable ankle and wrist injuries until Rangers reached the 35-year-old from New Paltz at 1:15 p.m. Due to the remote and technical terrain, Rangers called New York State Police (NYSP) Pilots Leeder and Plitsch for a hoist rescue. Rangers packaged the subject in a harness so Ranger Cowart could hoist them into the helicopter. At 4:30 p.m., the NYSP helicopter arrived at the landing zone where the subject was transferred to Hunter Ambulance. Haines Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Greene County Paramedics also assisted.
Video of the hoist rescue is available to download. (Video, 125 MB)
The climber was climbing solo without ropes and did not have a cell phone. DEC encourages climbing in a group so a member of the group can get help in the event of an accident.
Buttermilk Falls rescue
Buttermilk Falls rescue
City of Syracuse
Onondaga County
Public Outreach: On Jan. 24, 25, and 26, five Forest Rangers participated in public education at the New York Sportsman’s Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds. Rangers spoke to attendees of all ages about outdoor safety and lawful use of State lands, as well as the responsibilities of being a Forest Ranger.
Ranger Petit at the New York Sportsman's Expo
Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Training: On Jan. 24, 25, and 26, three Forest Rangers participated in an avalanche safety course led by the National Ski Patrol at Whiteface Mountain. Rangers learned fundamental principles of avalanche hazards, safety, and rescue techniques. For more information on the basics of avalanche safety, visit DEC’s Avalanche Safety website.
Avalanche safety course
Avalanche safety course
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.
