DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review

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.           

During the first six months of 2026, Forest Rangers conducted 126 search and rescue missions, extinguished 65 wildfires covering more than 215 acres, and participated in 54 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,355 acres of land.  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 Webb 
Herkimer County 
Wildland Fire: On August 9 at 1:55 p.m., two Forest Rangers and the Webb Fire Department responded to a fire near the Woodhull Lake lean-to. They used an inflatable boat to bring in supplies to help extinguish the unattended campfire. By 8:33 p.m., fire crews had the 100-square-foot fire under control. 

Town of Middlefield 
Otsego County 
Rescue: On August 10 at 12:05 p.m., Otsego County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance for a report of a subject who fell into a steep ravine on private property. Ranger Lieutenant Breigle, Rangers Black, France, and Laymon joined Cooperstown Police, Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies, and New York State Police to set up a technical rope system. They pulled the 20-year-old up 100 feet from the ravine. Rescuers carried the patient another 300 feet to a fire department UTV that transported the subject to an Otsego County Ambulance. The incident was clear at 5:50 p.m. 

Town of Keene 
Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 10 at 2:30 p.m., the Marcy Summit Steward called Ray Brook Dispatch about a hiker with a lower leg injury near the summit of Mount Marcy. The 50-year-old from Rochester slipped on a wet rock and heard a crack in their ankle. A passing hiker, who is a podiatrist, splinted the ankle. New York State Police Pilot Engel flew to the scene. Forest Ranger Ezumah harnessed the subject and Ranger Martin hoisted the hiker into the helicopter. Pilot Engel flew to the hospital. Ranger Ezumah hiked out with the other member of the hiking party. The incident was clear at 4:11 p.m. 

Town of Windham 
Greene County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 11 at 8 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for a lost hiker, off trail, on Windham High Peak. Forest Rangers Commerford and Dawson hiked in from opposite sides of the mountain. They arrived at the Elm Ridge lean-to 10 minutes apart, shortly before 9 p.m. Ranger Commerford made voice contact with the 32-year-old from New Jersey. At 9:20 p.m., Ranger Commerford reached the subject in good health, but without a light source. Ranger Commerford provided a headlamp and hiked the subject out of the woods. At 9:40 p.m., they reached the Peck Road trailhead. 

Rangers suggest bringing a headlamp or flashlight, and extra batteries, even if you’re not planning to hike into the night. Light is one of the Ten Hiking Essentials. 

Town of Hunter 
Greene County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 12 at 3:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Commerford responded to a call for a hiker who hit their head near the Devil’s Kitchen lean-to in the Indian Head Wilderness. At 4:20 p.m. Ranger Commerford, a Greene County Paramedic, and Hunter EMS reached the 70-year-old from New Jersey. The Paramedic conducted a patient assessment and, along with Ranger Commerford, assisted the hiker back to the trailhead. Rescuers cleaned the subject’s wounds, and the patient refused further medical attention. The incident was clear at 5:30 p.m. 

Town of North Elba 
Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 14 at 4:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker who came across another hiker calling for help on the summit of Algonquin Peak. Forest Rangers Foutch and Morehouse responded from Marcy Dam. At 7:10 p.m., Rangers located the subject and provided food and water. The hiker became separated from their group and was getting dehydrated. Rangers assisted the hiker to Lake Colden to meet up with their camping group. 

Town of Almond 
Allegany County 
Law Enforcement: On August 15 at 1:30 a.m., one Forest Ranger and New York State Police (NYSP) prevented a large underage drinking party at Vandermark State Forest. A short time later, they responded to a report that the group was headed to Bully Hill State Forest. When they arrived, they found approximately 100 people. As the crowd dispersed, Allegany County EMS and Almond Ambulance responded to one medical emergency. The Ranger cited that subject for illegal drug possession. The Ranger also extinguished a bonfire. While at Bully Hill State Forest, the Ranger received a report the group went back to Vandermark State Forest. Two other Troopers dispersed the group.  

The following actions are prohibited on State lands: 

• Possessing alcohol when under the age of 21 
• Littering 
• Lighting a fire on a road or parking area 
• Organizing or attending an event of 20 or more people without a permit 

Town of Caroga 
Fulton County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 15 at 12:11 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch called Forest Ranger Caswell about a hiker with a broken ankle on Kane Mountain. At 1 p.m., Ranger Caswell reached the 42-year-old from Liverpool. Caroga Fire Department and St. Johnsville EMS already had the patient packaged in a wheeled litter. Ranger Casweell assisted bringing the patient down the mountain. St. Johnsville EMS transported the subject to the hospital. The incident was clear at 1:45 p.m. 

Town of Keene 
Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 15 at 1:45 p.m., Essex County requested Forest Ranger assistance for a mountain biker with a large gash on their leg on the East Branch trails. Ranger DuChene reached the 21-year-old from Ithaca and provided an ATV ride to the road. The mountain biker said they would seek further medical attention on their own. The incident was clear at 2:40 p.m. 

Town of Santa Clara 
Franklin County 
Law Enforcement: On August 15 at 2:20 p.m. a Forest Ranger and New York State Police responded to Fish Creek Campground for an altercation between two campsites over noise from a generator. Through the investigation, the Ranger determined that one group was violating campground regulations and evicted them. 

Town of Keene 
Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 15 at 5:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker experiencing cramps on Tabletop Mountain. Forest Rangers Foutch and Morehouse responded from Marcy Dam. At 7:25 p.m., Rangers reached the hiker and provided food and water. After getting nourishment, the hiker was better able to walk. Rangers assisted the hiker back to their campsite near Phelps Junction to meet up with the rest of their party. 

Town of Hunter 
Greene County 
Wilderness Rescue: On August 16 at 5:30 p.m., while on patrol, Forest Ranger Commerford was alerted to an 11-year-old hiker with an ankle injury on the Lower Falls trail. Ranger Commerford and Assistant Forest Ranger Dewitt carried the subject back to the Laurel House trailhead. The child’s family transported them to the hospital. The incident was clear at 6:14 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, 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.