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 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in 10 different states.

“Our Forest Rangers are elite law enforcement leaders who put their lives on the line when they respond to a search and rescue, wildland fire, or State land violation,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We’re fortunate to have them patrolling State lands and keeping people safe. Their expertise and professionalism are valuable assets, not only in New York, but around the country wherever emergencies arise.”

Town of Carmel 

Putnam County 

Public Outreach: On January 29, Forest Ranger Grillo attended the Putnam County Youth Bureau’s annual Law Enforcement Night. Youth court members learned about various law enforcement agencies and how those agencies interact within the justice system. The agencies represented included Carmel Police, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Westchester Aviation Association, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Forest Rangers.

Ranger Grillo at Law Enforcement Night (photo attached)

Law Enforcement Night (photo attached)

Hamlet of Lake Clear 

Franklin County 

Training: On February 5, three Forest Rangers completed hoist operator training while also training three other Rangers. Crew chiefs trained inside the helicopter with New York State Police Pilot Engel. 

Hoist operator training (photo attached)

Town of Keene 

Essex County 

Wilderness Search: On February 7 at 8:50 p.m., the Johns Brook Lodge caretaker called 911 requesting Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker on Gothics Mountain. The 42-year-old went hiking with a group that morning but became separated and lost. Seven Rangers responded and at 11 p.m., located the subject in good health, off trail, and making their way out of the woods. Rangers assisted the hiker back to the lodge to reunite with the rest of the group. Resources were clear at 1:15 a.m.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.