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.”

Hamlet of Perrysburg

Cattaraugus County

Child Found: On November 22, while on patrol, Forest Ranger Skudlarek heard a call on county dispatch for a small child wearing a diaper running down the middle of Main Street. When Ranger Skudlarek arrived, civilians were trying to get control of the child. It was 40 degrees out, so Ranger Skudlarek wrapped the child in a coat. The child was unable to tell the Ranger their name or where they live. Ranger Skudlarek carried the child 150 yards down the street and observed a house with an open front door. The child’s grandmother was home but unaware the child ran away. New York State Police arrived on the scene to conduct interviews.

Town of Hadley

Saratoga County

Wilderness Rescue: On November 28 at 12:54 p.m., Forest Rangers Carabetta and Clute responded to a call for a hiker with a wrist injury on Hadley Mountain. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Hadley-Luzerne Fire Department, and Rockwell Falls Emergency Medical Services (EMS) also responded. By 2:40 p.m., rescuers reached the 55-year-old from Maryland approximately 0.75 miles up the trail. The hiker slipped and fell on their mountain descent. Rangers provided microspikes and trekking poles due to the icy trail conditions. They reached the trailhead at 3 p.m. Rockwell Falls EMS transported the patient to the hospital.

Hadley rescue (photo attached)

Town of Olive

Ulster County

Wilderness Rescue: On November 29 at 5:25 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch called Forest Ranger Horn about a subject lost near the summit of Samuel’s Point, a trailless peak in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. The 57-year-old from New York City was visiting a friend who lives near the base of the peak. The hiker bushwhacked almost to the summit before dark but became disoriented in the thick vegetation. The subject was relying on a cell phone for maps, but lost cellular connection. The subject used the satellite messenger feature on the phone to message a friend in New York City to call 911. Rangers Franceschina and Horn obtained coordinates and reached the subject at 7:45 p.m. The Rangers provided food and warm clothes and assisted the hiker out to the patrol vehicles by 9 p.m.

 
Rangers suggest planning for your hike before heading out, including checking the weather to know how snowy or icy it is. Snowshoes, crampons, or microspikes may be needed in addition to insulated boots. DEC’s website has more tips for safe winter hiking.

Town of Nassau

Rensselaer County

Wilderness Recovery: On November 29 at 6 p.m., Forest Ranger Jackson joined Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Deputies and New York State Police in the search for a missing hunter on private property off Gardiner Hill Road. Family members expected the 71-year-old from Averill Park home well before dark. He was known to hunt the property from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Ranger Jackson found tracks in the snow leading to the hunter, who was found deceased. Hoags Corners Fire Department assisted with the carry out. Resources were clear at 9 p.m.

Town of Bolton

Warren County

Wilderness Rescue: On November 29 at 7:55 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Warren County 911 about a hiker with chest pains approximately 1.5 miles in from the Clay Meadow trailhead in the Lake George Wild Forest. Four Forest Rangers and the Bolton Fire Department reached the 56-year-old from Gansevoort, made a health assessment, and determined a carry out was necessary. Rescuers used a wheeled litter to transport the hiker to the trailhead where they turned over care to Bolton EMS. Resources were clear at 10:10 p.m.

Clay Meadow rescue (two photos attached)

Town of Lake George

Warren County

Public Outreach: On November 29, Forest Rangers participated in Lake George’s annual Lite Up the Village celebration. An inflatable Smokey Bear on loan from the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact traveled with a decked-out Ranger engine brush truck.

Lake George’s Lite Up the Village (photo attached)

Village of Lancaster

Erie County

Public Outreach: On November 29, Forest Ranger Sprague participated in the annual Christmasville Fire Truck Parade. With thousands in attendance and more than 200 vehicles, the Forest Rangers won first place for law enforcement vehicles.

Lancaster Christmasville Fire Truck Parade (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.

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