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 2022, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 359 search and rescue missions, extinguished 162 wildfires covering more than 1,300 acres, participated in 53 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate nearly 900 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.     

“With more people visiting State lands and enjoying New York's myriad, world-class outdoor recreational opportunities, DEC’s Forest Rangers are on the front lines to help visitors get outside responsibly and get home safely,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Each day, these highly trained first responders are protecting irreplaceable natural resources and utilizing their expert knowledge of wildland fire suppression, wilderness first aid, land navigation, law enforcement, and technical rescue techniques to successfully execute critical missions for DEC and our countless local, state, and national partners.”     

Village of St. Johnsville 

Montgomery County 

Training: On Oct. 28 and Nov. 11, Forest Rangers France and Laymon taught the Basic Wildland Search course to volunteer fire departments in Montgomery County. Participants received basic knowledge about how Rangers conduct searches and the role volunteers play when helping Forest Rangers during search and rescue missions.  

Basic Wildland Search course (photo attached)

City of Saratoga Springs 

Saratoga County 

Public Outreach: On Nov. 8, Forest Ranger Hess participated in the CTE Works! Career Exploration event. Approximately 1,600 students from various school districts attended the one-day event that introduces participating students to different career opportunities. Ranger Hess discussed the job duties of a Forest Ranger at this annual event. 

Ranger Hess at CTE Works! Career Exploration event (photo attached)

Town of Bellmont 

Franklin County 

Wilderness Recovery: On Nov. 11 at 12:50 p.m., Forest Rangers Adams and Odell located an ATV on Titusville State Forest that was connected to a missing vulnerable adult case investigated by New York State Police (NYSP) in Malone. Over the next two days, 15 Rangers and 10 volunteers with Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks supported the NYSP-led search effort, which included deployment of helicopters and drones in a 12-linear-mile search area. On Nov. 12, NYSP Pilot Kotronis and Ranger Lewis spotted a used fire ring along a streambed. On Nov. 13, Rangers Foutch and Milano paddled the Hatch Brook, saw the fire ring, and at 10:50 a.m., located the 59-year-old subject deceased. Rangers transported the subject to the road via canoe and turned him over to the coroner. Resources were clear at 5 p.m. 

ATV Found (photo attached)

Town of Keene 

Essex County 

Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 11 at 5:37 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker who advised his 14-year-old brother was complaining of chest pain at the Indian Falls lookout area. Forest Ranger Duchene hiked up the trail from the Marcy Dam outpost. Ranger Foutch hiked in from Adirondak Loj. When Ranger Duchene reached the hikers from New Jersey, the teenager’s chest pain had subsided. Ranger Duchene helped them to their car where they refused further medical attention. Resources were clear at 9:50 p.m. 

Town of Long Lake 

Hamilton County 

Wilderness Search: On Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m., Hamilton County 911 transferred a call to Ray Brook Dispatch from a lost hunter who may have been experiencing a diabetic episode. Prior to Forest Ranger arrival, the 57-year-old's family located him and provided coordinates. Rangers Corey and Milano reached the subject, conducted a patient assessment, and escorted him out of the woods to a waiting Long Lake Rescue squad. Resources were clear at 9 p.m. 

Town of Fulton 

Schoharie County 

Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 12 at 3:35 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance in the rescue of a hiker experiencing a panic attack at the summit of Vroman’s Nose. Rangers France and Laymon responded to the trailhead and hiked up to the summit. At 4:40 p.m., Rangers reached the hiking party. The 25-year-old hiker from Brooklyn was cold but feeling better. Rangers warmed the hiker and assisted the group back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 5:28 p.m. 

Vroman’s Nose rescue (photo attached)

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