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 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 our state owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether it is a search and rescue call or a wildfire burning out of control, they are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Every day and in all conditions, 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.” 

Bennington County, Vermont 

Wilderness Rescue: On Feb. 26 at 9:20 a.m., New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation received a call to assist with a plane crash on Mt. Equinox in Bennington County, Vermont. The report indicated three passengers were aboard the plane at the time of the crash. Forest Rangers Gullen and Thompson were preparing for a day of hoist training out of Albany International Airport with NYSP Pilots Anderton and Sperber and Trooper Aurigema. When the call came in, the crew piloted the rescue helicopter to the crash site. At 12:15 p.m., Trooper Aurigema lowered both Forest Rangers to the subjects. Rangers packaged the patients and Trooper Aurigema hoisted them into the helicopter. An ambulance took two of the patients to the hospital and a MedFlight transported the third patient. A video featuring the rescuers is available on DEC’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AvwYivfJJ/ 

Plane crash rescue (four photos attached)

Village of Pulaski 

Oswego County 

Training: On Feb. 27 and 28, members of the Forest Ranger’s Honor Guard met at the DEC Office of Public Protection training facility in Pulaski. Several new members joined the team, bringing the current roster to 18 Rangers. Members of the Honor Guard practiced marching, rifle and flag ceremonial movements, and presentation. The Forest Ranger Honor Guard represents the Division of Forest Protection at academy graduations, awards, and other ceremonies, as well as funerals. 

Honor Guard training (photo attached)

Town of Beekman 

Dutchess County 

Training: On Feb. 28, Forest Rangers Parlier and Pries led chainsaw refresher training for their fellow Rangers. Trees felled are part of a management plan for the newly acquired Grape Hollow State Forest. Rangers reviewed felling techniques and emphasized safety concerns related to felling trees at wildland fire sites. With the spring fire season approaching, reviewing and practicing proper wildland fire suppression techniques is essential to protecting Forest Rangers and the public. 

Chainsaw training (two photos attached)

Town on Inlet 

Hamilton County 

Snowmobile Accident: On Feb. 28 at 1:56 p.m., the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office requested Forest Ranger assistance with a snowmobile accident on Uncas Road. When Rangers Miller and Scott arrived, Inlet Fire and EMS and Raquette Lake Fire were already on scene. The 23-year-old from Schenectady struck a tree and was ejected from his snowmobile. The snowmobiler temporarily lost consciousness . Rangers assisted other rescuers in packaging the subject, and an Inlet ambulance transported the subject to a hospital for treatment. 

Town of Lake Pleasant 

Hamilton County 

Missing Snowmobiler: On Feb. 28 at 8:20 p.m., Forest Rangers Hamm and O’Connell responded to a report from Hamilton County Dispatch about a missing snowmobiler last seen on Mason Lake. The 70-year-old from New Jersey separated from riding partners when he started having mechanical issues and by the time he started travelling again, he lost the group. Forest Rangers searched with negative results and requested two additional Rangers to assist. Rangers Miller and Scott joined the efforts and searched Indian Lake. Darkness, snow, and heavy winds made the tracks impossible to follow. Rangers, Indian Lake Fire Department, and New York State Police continued searching. At 12:30 a.m., Rangers Miller and Scott followed a faint set of tracks and found the snowmobiler on the east shore of the lake. Rangers replaced the drive belt on the snowmobile and assisted the subject to Lake Shore Road for evaluation by Indian Lake EMS. 

Stuck snowmobile on Indian Lake (photo attached)

Town of Hunter 

Greene County 

Wilderness Rescue: On March 2 at 2:10 p.m., Greene County contacted Forest Ranger Dawson to help a subject with an arm injury at Kaaterskill Falls. The 25-year-old from Manhattan was with a friend hiking down to the middle pool area. When hiking down the icy stairs towards the lower falls, and even while wearing microspikes, he slipped on the ice and landed on his shoulder. At 3:30 p.m., Rangers Dawson and Gullen reached the subject. Rangers provided care and assisted the subject to Route 23A where his friend picked him up. Resources were clear at 4:25 p.m. 

Kaaterskill Falls icy staircase (two photos 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.

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