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.  

“Whether they are leading complex search and rescue incidents, suppressing wildfires, enforcing laws on State lands and easements, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, or encouraging responsible recreation, Forest Rangers stand ready to help when called,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “Forest Rangers’ wide-ranging expertise and collaboration with local, State, and federal partners are instrumental in protecting New York’s public lands and the many visitors who use them.” 

Town of Newcomb 

Essex County 

Forest Ranger Academy: The 24^th Basic School for Forest Rangers completed week 19 of training at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s (SUNY ESF) Huntington Forest Campus. Over the last few weeks, the recruit class completed training in search management, technical rope rescue, firearms, using chainsaws during wildland fires, and decision-making skills. 

Ranger Academy rope rescue training (two photos attached)

Ranger Academy chainsaw training (photo attached)

Town of Western  

Oneida County  

Public Outreach: On Sept. 17, Forest Rangers Bills and Piersma joined other DEC experts at the annual 4-H Conservation Education Day at Delta Lake State Park. At the event, approximately 800 elementary school students were introduced to a variety of environmental topics. Rangers gave a presentation called “Lost in the Woods,” which educated children and adults on how proper planning and preparation can prevent getting lost.  

Ranger Piersma at 4-H Conservation Education Day (photo attached)

Town of Piercefield
St. Lawrence County

Wildland Fire: On Sept. 24 at 10:40 a.m., DEC Lands and Forests staff alerted Ray Brook Dispatch to a ground fire on the Bridge Brook trail in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. Forest Rangers quickly got the 180-square-foot fire under control. The fire was caused by an unextinguished campfire at an illegal site near the pond. Resources were clear at 1:45 p.m. 

Fire in Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest (photo attached)

Town of Annsville 

Oneida County 

Subject Apprehended: On Sept. 27, Forest Rangers assisted the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in a search for a suspect who had fled Officers at his home in Annsville. During a briefing, search crews spotted the 33-year-old walking near the staging area. A foot pursuit ensued and at 8:20 a.m., Rangers took the subject into custody. The Sheriff’s Office transported the subject to the Oneida County jail to await arraignment on weapons charges. 

Rangers apprehend subject in Annsville (photo attached)

Town of Plattekill 

Ulster County  

Wildland Fire: On Sept. 27 at 12:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Horn and Rusher responded to a fire call in the Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area. They joined volunteer firefighters to suppress the 0.25-acre fire. By 5 p.m., the surface fire was extinguished. Rangers patrolled the fire and declared it out the following morning. 

Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area fire (photo attached)

Ranger Horn at Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area fire (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.