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 New Lisbon
Otsego County
Wilderness Search: On January 28, Forest Ranger Laymon responded to a call for a search for a missing 70-year-old. The missing subject’s husband called at 4:38 p.m. to report his wife missing from their home. Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies followed her tracks to Butternut Creek. Ranger Laymon went to County Route 12, where the road crosses the creek, and at 7:40 p.m., spotted the missing subject standing in a cornfield. Ranger Laymon wrapped the hypothermic subject in a blanket and walked her to the road where Otsego County Emergency Medical Services was waiting. The subject stated she left the house before 9:30 a.m. to go for a walk and became confused. The patient was transported to Bassett Hospital. Resources were clear at 8:45 p.m.
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On February 1 at 5:35 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about two hikers and their dog who were unable to continue their hike on Haystack Mountain. The hikers did not have proper traction devices for the icy conditions and didn’t have headlamps to assist them in the dark. Forest Rangers Jansen and Lewis met the subjects on the trail and escorted them out of the woods. Resources were clear at 8:03 p.m.
Rangers suggest hiking with the 10 hiking essentials, including proper footwear, traction devices, and a light source.
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.
