“DEC Forest Rangers’ knowledge of first aid, land navigation and technical rescue techniques are often critical to the success of their missions,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “Search and rescue missions often require Rangers to function in remote wilderness areas from rugged mountainous peaks to white-water rivers, and through vast forest areas from spruce-fir thicket to open hardwoods.”

Recent missions carried out by DEC Forest Rangers in the Adirondacks include:

Essex County

Dix Mountain Wilderness, Town of Newcomb

Overdue Hiker: On November 30, 2014 at 8:30 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a call advising that a 62-year-old male from Latham, NY, was overdue from hiking the Santanonis. The hiker left at 4:00 a.m. to hike the three peaks. The last time the reporting party heard from him was a cell phone picture from the summit of Santanoni at 3:15 p.m. Two DEC Forest Rangers located the hiker’s vehicle in the parking lot, and from there proceeded with their search. One of the Forest Rangers took a side trail and staged a vehicle in an area, reducing the hike by three miles. The Forest Rangers located the hiker at 11:10 p.m., escorted him to the staged vehicle and transported him to his vehicle at 12:22 a.m.

Sentinel Range Wilderness, Town of Wilmington

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hiking Safety (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28708.html) and Adirondack Trail Information (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html) web for more information.