DEC Contact: Jomo Miller (518) 402-8000 March 25, 2020
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DEC STATEWIDE FOREST RANGER HIGHLIGHTSRecent Forest Ranger Actions |
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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 the backcountry. In 2019, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 337 search and rescue missions, extinguished 74 wildfires that burned a total of 212 acres, participated in 29 prescribed fires that burned and rejuvenated 645 acres, and worked on cases that resulted in 2,507 tickets or arrests. “DEC celebrates our 50th anniversary this year, but our Forest Rangers have been on the front lines for even longer, protecting New York’s wildlife, natural resources, residents, and visitors for more than a century,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The state’s brave Forest Rangers have a vast knowledge of first aid, land navigation, and technical rescue techniques that are critical to the success of their missions in remote wilderness areas, rugged mountainous peaks, white water rivers, frozen lakes, and forested areas statewide. We are proud of the work our Forest Rangers perform and look forward to another 50 years and beyond of highly trained service.” Town of North Elba DEC reminds hikers that they should always follow the Hiker Responsibility Code: be prepared for changing weather conditions, carry essentials in a day pack, use maps/guides to plan their trip, leave trip plans with friends or family, be realistic about fitness and skill level, check the weather forecast, have emergency phone numbers handy (911, DEC Emergency Dispatch: 518-408-5850, in the Adirondacks: 518-891-0235), and more. Check the DEC website for a complete list to prepare for a responsible hike. Forest Rangers Howard Kreft (DEC Region 3) and John Scott (DEC Region 1) assist at COVID-19 drive-thru test site at Staten Island (photo attached)
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY and Adirondack Backcountry Information webpage for more information. |
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