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.”

Village of Fabius

Onondaga County 

Training: On December 14, Forest Ranger Chappell served as a trainer with the Central New York Region of National Ski Patrol at Highland Forest Park. Rescuers trained in Mountain Travel and Rescue level 1. Ranger Chappell helped train 18 participants from New York and Pennsylvania about essential wilderness skills for safe backcountry travel, navigation, survival, group dynamics, and basic search and rescue (SAR) operations. SAR training operations include emergency shelter and low-angle rope skills, featuring hands-on field practice and a mandatory overnight campout, preparing patrollers and the public for mountain environments. 

Mountain Travel and Rescue training (photo attached)

Town of Shandaken 

Ulster County 

Wildland Fire: On December 20 at 11:50 a.m., Forest Ranger Rusher responded to a brush fire caused by a downed power line at the intersection of State routes 28 and 212. Olive Fire Department extinguished the fire. Ranger Rusher stayed on scene while the fire continued to smoke as the power company shut off the power. 

Shandaken fire (photo attached)

Town of Shandaken 

Ulster County 

Wilderness Rescue: On December 21 at 5:50 p.m., Ulster County 911 called Ray Brook dispatch requesting Forest Ranger assistance to locate two lost hikers on the Giant Ledge trail. The windchill temperature was 0 degrees. One of the hikers was wearing jeans and uninsulated boots. The other was wearing cotton athletic pants and running sneakers. They did not have traction devices for their footwear or headlamps to hike in the dark. On their descent, the hikers got lost in the low-light conditions and ended up approximately a quarter mile west of the trail. They attempted bushwacking from their location directly toward where they thought the parking area was, which forced them to cross two small streams, resulting in wet and cold feet. They texted 911 that they were lost, which gave dispatchers their coordinates. Rangers Jeffery and Rusher hiked up the icy trail and eventually saw their tracks leading off trail. At 7:15 p.m., Rangers reached the 36- and 38-year-old subjects from Congers. Rangers provided hot tea, headlamps, and dry socks. Rangers led them back to the trailhead and educated them on winter hiking safety. Resources were clear at 8:30 p.m. 

Rangers suggest hiking with the 10 hiking essentials, including proper footwear and moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate body temperature.

Shandaken rescue (photo attached)

Town of Pittstown 

Rensselaer County 

Fire: On December 20 at 9 p.m., Rensselaer County requested Forest Ranger assistance with a fire on Holbritter Road. Pittstown Fire Department used water to suppress the three burn piles. The resident used an excavator to put out the rest of the fire. Ranger Jackson issued a ticket for leaving a fire unattended. 

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.