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.

In 2016, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 356 search and rescue missions, extinguished 185 wildfires that burned a total of 4,191 acres, and worked on cases that resulted in nearly 3,000 tickets or arrests.

“Across New York, DEC 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 that 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:

Town of Carrollton
Cattaraugus County
Search: On March 21, Forest Rangers were asked to assist Cattaraugus County Sheriffs investigating a missing 51-year-old male who was last seen on March 16 when he left his house in the middle of the night. The subject’s vehicle was still at his residence. Lack of clues prompted a request to search an area of woods near his home for evidence. Three Forest Rangers and volunteers searched but nothing of interest was found. Cattaraugus County Sheriffs are continuing the investigation.

Town of Brasher
St. Lawrence County
Custodial Arrest: On March 21 while on routine patrol of Brasher State Forest, Forest Rangers Jared Booth and Joshua Hogan encountered a group camping in an unusual location. Rangers checked the campsite and engaged the individuals in conversation. Ranger Hogan recognized one of the individuals from a previous encounter. Believing this individual gave a false name, the Rangers checked the Massena Police Department social media page for outstanding warrants. Because the man matched the description of the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Massena Police Department, the Rangers took him into custody. The subject was then transported to the Massena Police Department for processing and arraignment.

Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Recovery: On March 23, Ray Brook Dispatch received a transferred call from Essex County 911 regarding a 65-year-old male from Massena with an ankle injury on the Poor Man's downhill trail in Wilmington. Rangers were dispatched to assist the subject. The Rangers evaluated, packaged, and transported the subject by snowmobile to the road. Wilmington Rescue Squad transported the individual to a local hospital.

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.