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 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in 10 different states.
“Our Forest Rangers are elite law enforcement leaders who put their lives on the line when they respond to a search and rescue, wildland fire, or State land violation,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We’re fortunate to have them patrolling State lands and keeping people safe. Their expertise and professionalism are valuable assets, not only in New York, but around the country wherever emergencies arise.”
Town of Roseboom
Otsego County
Illegal Logging: On December 22, while on patrol at Honey Hill State Forest, Forest Ranger Laymon discovered a logging operation that skidded logs through a corner of state land. Along with a DEC Forester, Ranger Laymon determined the loggers damaged several trees and removed a red oak tree. On January 23, Rangers France and Laymon located the loggers and issued tickets for removing and damaging trees and for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on State land.
Illegal logging
Illegal logging
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Snowpack Testing: On January 22, Forest Rangers Adams and Rooney conducted a ski patrol in the High Peaks Wilderness to test snow stability before the next storm hit. The Rangers performed an Extended Column Test and found no indication of instability. However, new snow, wind, and severe cold can change conditions quickly. Winter enthusiasts should always travel at their own risk and make their own assessments when traveling in avalanche terrain.
Snow stability test
Ranger Rooney snow stability test
Town of Williamstown
Oswego County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 22 at 2:37 p.m., Forest Ranger Vaile responded to a call for a snowmobile accident on an unmaintained portion of Garcia Road. The snowmobile driver complained of a lower right leg injury. Ranger Vaile joined New York State Police, the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, and the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department. Crews loaded the 32-year-old from King Ferry onto a utility vehicle for transport to a Northern Oswego County Ambulance. Resources were clear at 4:40 p.m.
Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 22 at 5:10 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for a lost hiker on Giant Mountain. The hiker had lost the Ridge Trail due to snow squalls that created deep drifts. At 6:45 p.m., Forest Ranger Rooney located the 47-year-old from Albany and their dog. Ranger Rooney provided dry clothing and a headlamp and walked with the subject back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 8:20 p.m.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” 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.
