New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 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.

“Across New York, DEC’s Forest Rangers’ are on the front lines helping people safely enjoy the great outdoors,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Their knowledge of first aid, land navigation and technical rescue techniques are critical to the success of their missions which take them from remote wilderness areas, with rugged mountainous peaks to white-water rivers, and throughout our vast forested areas statewide.”

Recent missions carried out by DEC Forest Rangers include:

Essex County

Town of Lewis

Private Land

Distressed hiker: On June 17, 2016 at 2:52 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance for a 73-year-old man from Stamfordville, NY who lost consciousness while hiking off Scriver Road. The man regained consciousness after a short time but still required medical assistance. DEC Forest Rangers responded to Scriver Road and located the man at 3:35 p.m.  They stabilized him and transported him to an area vehicle to an area hospital for additional medical treatment.  The incident concluded at 4:15 p.m.

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 Backcountry Information (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html) webpage for more information.