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 hundreds of tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in ten 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.

City of Buffalo 

Erie County

Storm Response: On December 30, Forest Ranger Major Rogers and six Rangers served as a chainsaw crew to help with storm debris cleanup in the City of Buffalo. The City assigned Rangers to five locations to clean up downed trees and branches. National Grid reported more than 112,000 customers statewide without power at one point during the storm. 

Buffalo storm cleanup (two photos attached)

Hamlet of Elka Park 

Greene County 

Dog Rescue: On January 1 at 2:20 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch called Forest Ranger Peterson about an injured dog on the Pecoy Notch trail on Twin Mountain. Ranger Peterson hiked in from the Roaring Kill trailhead and reached the hiker and a 40-pound dog. Ranger Peterson provided foot warmers to the hiker, who was wearing spring/summer hiking boots. The dog had cold front paws but otherwise was in good health. Ranger Fox arrived and kept the excited dog happy with treats. On the hike out, Rangers educated the 31-year-old from Pawling about proper winter clothing and footwear.  

Rangers suggest hiking with the “10 Hiking Essentials,” including proper footwear and moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature.  

Dog rescue (photo attached)

Town of Newcomb 

Essex County 

Wilderness Rescue: On January 2 at 9 a.m., Essex County 911 contacted Ray Brook Dispatch about a 911 text from a hiker who fell through the ice into a stream on the trail between Lake Colden and Algonquin Peak. The 38-year-old from Brooklyn was not injured and kept warm with dry layers and a sleeping bag until rescuers could reach them. At 3 p.m., the Lake Colden Caretaker reached the subject and assisted them to the interior outpost. At 4:15 p.m., Forest Rangers began hiking with the subject toward Adirondak Loj. Rangers used snowmobiles for part of the trip and reached the trailhead at 8:23 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: http://on.ny.gov/NYSForestRangerRoster.