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 the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

“DEC’s Forest Rangers bravely protect State-owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Every day and in all conditions, Forest Rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and State lands, serving as role models for the next generation of environmental stewards. DEC encourages interested New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger.”

City of Syracuse
Onondaga County
Public Outreach: From November 14–16, Forest Rangers joined hundreds of first responders at the 2025 Vital Signs Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Conference. The New York State Department of Health organized the conference to advance EMS across New York State and beyond. Ranger Chappell conducted a presentation on the history, organization, and management of New York’s search and rescue program.

Ranger Chappell at Vital Signs Emergency Medical Services Conference (photo attached)

Hamlet of Piseco
Hamilton County
Utility Flights: On November 18 and 19, Forest Rangers joined DEC staff from the Divisions of Lands and Forests and Operations, and New York State Police Aviation to complete utility flights in the West Canada Lake Wilderness Area. They delivered a new lean-to to Cedar Lake and removed debris from a cabin fire on the summit of Pillsbury Mountain. 

Utility flights (two photos attached)

Town of Johnsburg
Warren County
Training: On November 20, nine Forest Rangers participated in gondola evacuation training at Gore Mountain. They trained with Gore Mountain ski patrol and staff from the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority. Teams practiced ascending the lift towers and traversing along the cable to reach the gondola. Rescuers belayed from the cable into the cab from the top of the gondola. Once inside, the rescuer then belayed the cab occupants safely to the ground. This training is important to not only prepare for a possible gondola evacuation but also for Rangers to practice rope rescue skills and multiagency coordination.

Gondola evacuation training (two photos attached)

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On November 21 at 5:10 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker with an unstable ankle injury at the summit of Ampersand Mountain. Forest Ranger Adams spoke to the subject over the phone. The hiker was not wearing any traction devices and fell on an icy section of the trail. At 6:50 p.m., Rangers reached the 54-year-old from Tupper Lake, splinted the injured ankle, provided pain medication and warm liquids, and used a hypothermic wrap. Nine Rangers used a sled to transport the patient to the trailhead. A family member drove the hiker to the hospital. Resources were clear at 12 a.m. Video of part of the rescue is available to download, https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/ForestRangers/AmpersandRescue_11-21-25.mp4  

Rangers remind hikers to be aware of the weather conditions. Even if it’s relatively warm at the trailhead, there is snow and ice at higher elevations. Winter hiking safety tips are available on the DEC website.

Ampersand Mountain Rescue (two photos attached)

Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On November 22 at 6:30 p.m., Essex County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker suffering from hypothermia while hiking Couchsachraga Peak in the Santanoni Range. Rangers contacted the hiking party via cell phone and advised them to rehydrate with warm liquids, rewarm the subject, and attempt to keep moving. The hikers were making their way to the Bradley Pond lean-to for an overnight stay. On November 23 at 12 p.m., Rangers made positive contact with the hikers who said they were all in good health and required no further assistance.

Town of Ticonderoga
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On November 22 at 7:10 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for an overdue hiker on Potter Mountain. The reporting party indicated the hiker’s car was still at the trailhead and they didn’t have any contact since 1 p.m. At 9:50 p.m., Forest Rangers located the subject in good health off the Short Swing trail. The 78-year-old from Ticonderoga forgot to pack a flashlight and had a tough time finding the trail in the dark.

Town of Orange
Schuyler County
Law Enforcement: On November 22, four Forest Rangers conducted a late-night detail to curtail a suspected underage drinking party in Coon Hollow State Forest. At 10 p.m., Rangers met with deputies from the Schuyler County Sheriff’s office and, at 11:30 p.m., they blocked off Chambers Road. The team found approximately 50 people at the party and issued 19 tickets. They determined which subjects were able to drive and which ones needed to call for a ride home. Resources were clear at 2:30 a.m.

Bonfire at underage drinking party (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.