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 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 burning out of control, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Acting 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.” 

Town of Newcomb 

Essex County 

Training: From May 18 to 23, 12 new Assistant Forest Rangers (AFRs) attended training at SUNY ESF’s Newcomb campus. The 12 AFRs join eight returning AFRs from last summer. AFRs trained in communications, Leave No Trace^TM principles, State land rules and regulations, land navigation, wildland fire, and wilderness first aid. For the spring and summer hiking seasons, 12 AFRs will be stationed in the Adirondacks, five in the Catskills, and three in Western New York. 

Assistant Forest Ranger training (two photos attached)

Assistant Forest Rangers (photo attached)

City of Syracuse 

Onondaga County 

Public Outreach: On May 19, Forest Rangers participated in the YMCA of Central New York’s Boys and Young Men of Color Village Gathering at the Southwest Community Center. Ranger Chappell spoke to the children and young adults about the duties and responsibilities of Forest Rangers, shared a meal with them, and demonstrated how to package a patient in a litter. 

Ranger Chappell at the YMCA of Central New York’s Southwest Community Center (photo attached)

Ranger Chappell at the YMCA Southwest Community Center (photo attached)

Town of Horseheads 

Chemung County 

Public Outreach: On May 20, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Kennedy and Ranger Richer attended the annual Chemung County Conservation Field Day for 300 sixth graders. Rangers spoke to the students about forest fire safety and gave a drone demonstration. Other groups participating in the event included Trout Unlimited, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Erin Volunteer Fire Department. 

Ranger Richer helping students with portable backpack pump at Conservation Field Day (photo attached)

Town of North Elba 

Essex County 

Wilderness Rescue: On May 24 at 9 a.m., Forest Ranger Praczkajlo responded to a call for a reportedly deceased hiker on Cascade Mountain. Two hikers had called 911 to report the third member of their hiking party had died. When the hikers encountered the Cascade Summit Steward, the pair also advised that they were lost. The steward determined the hikers were in an altered mental state. The third member of their party called and was not injured. Ranger Praczkajlo escorted the two hikers, who had ingested hallucinogenic mushrooms, to a waiting ambulance and New York State Police unit. Ranger Praczkajlo escorted the third hiker back to their campsite.

Town of Lake George 

Warren County 

Wilderness Rescue: On May 25 at 3 p.m., Forest Ranger Donegan responded to a call for a hiker with a leg injury on the Prospect Mountain trail. Ranger Donegan hiked to the 49-year-old from Manlius, splinted the hiker’s ankle, and packaged him in a litter. With the help of Lake George Fire and EMS and North Queensbury Fire, Ranger Donegan carried the subject to a waiting ambulance. Resources were clear at 5:33 p.m.

Village of Cold Spring 

Putnam County 

Wilderness Rescue: On May 26 at 3 p.m., Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve staff requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker unable to continue hiking. Parks staff reached the 20-year-old from Peekskill who was experiencing body cramping. At 4:30 p.m., Rangers provided food and electrolytes, which improved the hiker’s condition to the point she was able to make it out of the woods with the rescuers. The subject refused further medical attention. Resources were clear at 7:30 p.m.
 

DEC encourages hikers to bring plenty of food and water for their hike in case the hike lasts longer than expected. Proper preparation for a hike can reduce bouts of cramping and dehydration.

Town of Naples 

Ontario County 

Wilderness Rescue: On May 26 at 7:10 p.m., Forest Ranger Miller responded to a call for two hikers who had fallen into Clark Gully. Bristol, Cheshire, Dundee, Middlesex, and Naples Fire Departments, along with the Dundee and Ontario County rope teams, also responded. Rescuers brought the hikers out of the gully. One had suffered a leg injury and the other suffered back pain. Rescuers assisted two additional hikers out of the gully. By 9:20 p.m., all four hikers were out of the woods. Two of the hikers were transported to the hospital. Resources were clear at 10:10 p.m.

Town if North Elba 

Essex County 

Wilderness Search: On May 26 at 10:41 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance with a group of three hikers on the Marcy Dam truck trail. The hikers from Georgia could not get out of the woods because they didn’t have adequate light sources. Ranger Duchene found the hikers and escorted them out of the woods.
 

DEC encourages hikers to bring head lamps and extra batteries. Cell phones are not a good source of light in the High Peaks; batteries often run out quickly leaving hikers with no light.

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.