Recent Statewide Forest Ranger Actions
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.”
Town of Woodstock
Ulster County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m., Ulster County Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker with a leg injury on Phoenicia-Mt. Tobias Wild Forest. GPS coordinates placed the hiker on a steep section of the long path just south of Warner Creek. Rangers Franceschina, Jeffery, and Rusher responded with Woodstock Fire and EMS. At 2:30 p.m., Ranger Rusher reached the 57-year-old hiker from Stony Point and stabilized the injured leg with a splint. Due to the cold weather and lack of movement, the patient was also shivering. Ranger Rusher provided layers of clothing and worked with the rest of the hiking party to start a fire. Woodstock EMS provided additional care including pain relief. Rangers used a wheeled litter to extricate the patient across Warner Creek. Rescuers made it out to a Shandaken Ambulance at 6 p.m.
Town of Richland
Oswego County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance from an Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) to join a search for a missing hunter. A 77-year-old hunter became turned around in a swamp and called 911 for assistance, but the phone died during the call. New York State Police and the Oswego County Sherriff’s Department joined Rangers and ECOs in the search. At 7 p.m., the Oswego County Sherriff’s Department drone pilot located a heat source, which was the hunter. Rescuers walked the hunter out of the area and resources were clear 8:05 p.m.
Town of Canadice
Ontario County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 6 at 4:50 p.m., Forest Rangers Dormer and Raffaldi-Smith responded to a call for a hiker separated from a hiking partner on Rob’s Trail at Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. At 5:55 p.m., Forest Rangers located the 71-year-old and reunited the pair.
Town of Van Netten
Chemung County
Training: On Nov. 6 and 8, Forest Rangers Dormer, Miller, Richer, and Staples instructed the Basic Wildland Fire Suppression Course for the Community Fire and Rescue Department. During this course, Rangers taught the 18 firefighters the basics of fire behavior, wildland firefighting tactics, and the tools used in fire suppression.
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Town of Bleeker
Fulton County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 7 at 8:15 p.m., Forest Rangers Caswell and Hamm responded to a report of a missing hunter. Ray Brook Dispatch provided Rangers with coordinates approximately half a mile from the trailhead. At 10:30 p.m., Ranger Caswell located the 53-year-old from Wallkill in good health. The hunter had a headlamp, GPS, and cell phone, but did not know how to use the GPS device to navigate.
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 8 at 12:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker with an unstable leg injury at the intersections of Algonquin and Iroquois Mountain trails approximately six miles from the nearest trailhead. New York State Police Aviation was conducting training at the time and Pilot Hogan responded to assist. Forest Ranger Rooney harnessed the 20-year-old from Ontario and Ranger H. Praczkajlo successfully hoisted the patient into the helicopter. Ranger Praczkajlo transferred care to Lake Placid EMS at the Lake Placid Airport. Resources were clear at 4:10 p.m. Video of the hoist rescue is available to download, https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/ForestRangers/AlgonquinMountainHoistRescue-11-7-25.MOV
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Town of Warrensburg
Warren County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hunter with a heart condition who overexerted themselves while dragging a deer down the trail. Forest Ranger Clute and Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) Newell responded. When they arrived, Warrensburg Fire and EMS were already with the 73-year-old from Queensbury. Ranger Clute and ECO Newell assisted first responders to get the subject to an awaiting ambulance at the trailhead. Resources were clear at 6 p.m.
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to a report of a group of lost hikers on the Indian Pass Trail. The hikers texted 911 and coordinates placed them near Indian Pass Brook. At 9:35 p.m., Rangers located the hikers in good health, but they were cold and wet due to the weather conditions. Rangers escorted the group back to the trailhead and resources were clear at 11:03 p.m.
During this time of year, Rangers encourage hikers to prepare for the weather not only at the trailhead, but also at the peak. There is already snow on some of the Adirondack High Peaks.
Town of Webb
Herkimer County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 8 at 7:20 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a missing hunter from a water-access-only camp off Twitchell Lake. Last contact with the 64-year-old was six hours earlier. Four Forest Rangers searched overnight with negative results. The following morning, 11 Rangers searched surrounding trails and drainages. At 9:42 a.m., they found the subject in good health. The team escorted the subject back to their camp and reunited them with family. Resources were clear at 12:39 p.m.
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.
If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region: http://on.ny.gov/NYSForestRangerRoster
