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.
“DEC’s Forest Rangers bravely protect State-owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire burning out of control, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Every day and in all conditions, Forest Rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and State lands, serving as role models for the next generation of environmental stewards. DEC encourages interested New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger.”
Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Public Service: On May 26, Forest Rangers joined New York State Police, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Navy, and the Newcomb Volunteer Fire Department for a multi-agency Memorial Day remembrance service and wreath laying. The event took place at the Vietnam memorial plaque.
Newcomb Memorial Day ceremony
Newcomb Memorial Day ceremony
City of Albany and Town of Brookhaven
Albany and Suffolk Counties
Prescribed Burns: Prescribed fire is an important land management tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. These burns are regulated by law and regulation and require technical expertise to safely conduct. Controlled burns help prevent the spread of invasive species, and in some areas, prescribed fire is used to reduce the buildup of wood, timber litter, and other fuel to reduce the potential for wildfires that threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. DEC carefully implements prescribed fires only when conditions are favorable to meet land management goals. DEC conducted the following burn recently:
On June 3, Forest Rangers and DEC’s Divisions of Lands and Forests and Fish and Wildlife joined Brookhaven National Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy to conduct a prescribed burn on more than 23 acres of the laboratory’s property in Suffolk County; and
On June 3, Forest Rangers and additional DEC and Albany Pine Bush staff conducted a prescribed burn on more than 10 acres of the Albany Pine Bush in Albany County.
Brookhaven prescribed burn
Brookhaven prescribed burn
Albany Pine Bush prescribed burn
Albany Pine Bush prescribed burn
Albany Pine Bush prescribed burn crew
Village of Painted Post
Steuben County
Public Outreach: On June 4, Forest Rangers Dormer and Richer attended the Cooper Plains BOCES Field Day for fourth to seventh graders. Rangers talked about how to use backpack pumps and other aspects of wildland fire safety. Approximately 200 students attended the event.
Cooper Plains BOCES Field Day
Town of Stamford
Delaware County
Wilderness Search: On June 5 at 2:50 p.m., Delaware County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance with the search for a missing three-year-old who had run into a wooded area approximately an hour earlier. Five Rangers worked with DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement, Roxbury and Stamford Fire Departments, New York State Police, and the Delaware County Sherriff’s office. At 4:10 p.m., volunteers located the child approximately one mile from the point they were last seen. The child was evaluated by EMS and determined to be in good health.
Town of Shandaken
Ulster County
Training: On June 5 and 6, Forest Rangers led swiftwater rescue training for dozens of Rangers on Esopus Creek. Rangers reviewed different rescue scenarios and practiced swimming and throw bag techniques.
Swiftwater training on Esopus Creek
Swiftwater training on Esopus Creek
Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Water Rescue: On June 6 at 5 p.m., Essex County 911 contacted Ray Brook Dispatch about an angler who had fallen approximately 20 feet down an embankment into the Ausable River at the base of Whiteface Mountain between the gondola and the pump house. Forest Ranger Adams used an inflatable kayak to reach the subject with help from members of the Wilmington Fire Department on the bank of the river. They used the kayak to transport the 61-year-old from Virginia to the other side of the river. Rangers DuChene and Praczkajlo helped extricate the subject, who had suffered a broken leg, to a waiting ambulance. Resources were clear at 6:03 p.m.
Ausable River rescue
Ausable River rescue
Ausable River rescue
Town of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Wilderness Search: On June 7 at 7:35 p.m., staff at the Northern Frontier Camp requested Forest Ranger assistance in locating a 72-year-old in the area of OK Slip Falls who had last been seen at 3 p.m. When Rangers Miller and Scott arrived, counselors advised they located the subject on a trail near the Hudson River. Rangers hiked to the location and assisted the subject back to camp. Resources were clear at 11 p.m.
Town of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Wilderness Search: On June 8 at 6:19 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a subject who walked in toward the Clear Pond trail in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness and did not come out. The caller indicated the 76-year-old suffers from dementia. Forest Rangers, an Environmental Conservation Police Officer, and New York State Police responded to the search. At 7:18 p.m., Ranger Snye located the subject approximately 400 yards from John’s Pond. Ranger Snye assisted the subject to the trailhead. Indian Lake Rescue transported them to Glens Falls Hospital. Resources were clear at 9:36 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 has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.
