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 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.  

“DEC Forest Rangers are among the nation’s most versatile first responders, utilizing their expert training and wide-ranging knowledge to protect natural resources while encouraging responsible stewardship among those who visit State lands and sites,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Their expertise in wildland fire suppression, technical rescue techniques, and law enforcement mean that Rangers are always prepared to successfully execute critical missions, here in New York State, as well as across the continent.” 

Town of Long Lake 

Hamilton County 

Training: On Jan. 8, Forest Rangers Adams, Milano, and Odell participated in ice safety rescue training at the Long Lake Town Beach. Long Lake is a widening of the Raquette River where local ice conditions constantly fluctuate. A minimum of four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety. However, ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water. Since ice thickness can vary on a lake, outdoor adventurers are advised to check the ice periodically to stay safe. More information about ice safety is available at https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2024/1/dec-encourages-anglers-to-safely-enjoy-ice-fishing-this-winter 

Forest Rangers Milano, Odell, and Adams at Long Lake ice rescue training (photo attached)

Town of Indian Lake 

Hamilton County 

Wilderness Rescue: On Jan. 11 at 2:52 p.m., Forest Rangers Caswell, Scott, and Snye responded to a call for a hiker having trouble making it down Snowy Mountain due to the cold and snow. The hiker’s 911 call dropped out before the operator could get his location. Rangers located the 20-year-old from Syracuse approximately halfway down the mountain. The subject was wearing a light winter coat and did not have mountaineering boots appropriate for conditions. Rangers provided hand and feet warmers, socks, a hat, gloves, and a light. After warming and hydrating the subject, the Rangers hiked with him to his car. Resources were clear at 5:50 p.m. 

Ranger Snye warming hiker on Snowy Mountain (photo attached)

Town of Russia 

Herkimer County 

Ice Rescue: On Jan. 13, at 11:30 a.m., Forest Ranger Bills responded to a report of a dog that had fallen through the ice and a subject still on the ice at Hinkley Reservoir. The dog's owner, a 59-year-old from Cold Brook, saw his dog fall through the ice and went after the dog in a kayak, which then overturned. When Ranger Bills arrived, a 42-year-old Good Samaritan from Cold Harbor had rescued the dog in a second kayak. The man was nearby and had seen the dog and his owner before grabbing a kayak and rope to pull the dog's owner to shore before going back to get the dog. Once the Good Samaritan had the dog in the kayak, he was so cold he couldn't move. Ranger Bills put on ice rescue gear, brought a personal floatation device to the rescuer, and hooked a rope onto the kayak. Newport Fire Department and New York State Fire brought in water technicians and a rescue boat. Rescue crews pulled the second kayak safely ashore with the subject and the dog. Resources were clear at 12:30 p.m. Also assisting in the rescue were the Barneveld and Poland Fire Departments.  

Ranger Bills during Hinckley Reservoir rescue (two photos attached)

Town of North Elba 

Essex County 

Wilderness Rescue: On Jan. 13 at 9 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker who had fallen into the water approximately 2.7 miles from the Northville-Placid trailhead. The 26-year-old from Brooklyn was able to get out of the water and back on the trail but was too cold to continue moving. At 9:42 p.m., Forest Rangers Corey, DuChene, and Rooney reached the hiker, warmed him, and helped him back to the trailhead. 

Northville-Placid Trail rescue (photo attached)

Town of Corinth 

Saratoga County 

Wilderness Search: On Jan. 14 at 5 p.m., Forest Ranger Nahor overheard radio traffic about a 13-year-old who jumped out of his bedroom window and ran into the woods. Ranger Nahor worked with a Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputy to follow the teen’s footprints in the snow toward the Hudson River and then north near Millart Drive. The Ranger and Deputy found the subject trying to hide underneath a pile of brush. The Sheriff’s Deputy transported the subject back home. Resources were clear at 5:45 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