The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is temporarily closing the Vernooy Kill State Forest, located in Ulster County, New York, to visitors. The closure is effective immediately.

DEC Forest Rangers are assisting New York State Police in the ongoing search for Joshua Stuart in the Ellenville, New York, area. DEC urges hikers in the Ellenville area not to utilize trails in the area.

Stuart is in his early 40s and was seen wearing a flannel shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. He is believed to be armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. If anyone sees an individual matching Stuart’s description, they are asked to contact the State Police Middletown 845-344-5300.