In the first half of 2025, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires across nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed burns that rejuvenated over 1,500 acres. For all of 2024, they responded to 362 search and rescue calls, fought 122 wildfires covering almost 6,500 acres, took part in 60 prescribed fires improving more than 1,155 acres of land, and were involved in cases resulting in over 1,200 tickets and arrests.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “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. 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.”
Forest Rangers also engaged with communities through outreach events. On October 15th in Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County), Rangers Pries and Russo spoke at Marist University’s Crime and Justice Club Internship and Career Fair about their roles. In Kent (Putnam County) on October 17th, they distributed candy to over 800 children during the town’s annual trunk or treat event.
On October 20th in Wilmington (Essex County), Ranger H. Praczkajlo assisted a lost hiker on Ester Mountain who was cold with little phone battery remaining. The hiker was found safe after being provided warm clothing before being escorted down the trail.
In Keene (Essex County) on October 21st, Ranger Lewis located two missing hikers from Delaware on Wolfjaw Mountain after they were separated from their children; all were reunited safely.
On October 23rd in Red Hook (Dutchess County), Rangers Pries and Russo attended a career fair at Red Hook High School where they shared information about their jobs with students.
Rangers responded to another incident on October 25th between Seward and Donaldson Mountains (Franklin County), assisting three hikers from Buffalo who were cold without dry layers; one experienced leg cramps but all reached safety with ranger help.
Officials recommend carrying hiking essentials such as moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics instead of cotton due to better temperature regulation.
Later that night in Hopkinton (St Lawrence County), rangers aided state police searching for a missing hunter who was later found by family members.
On October 26th near Hancock (Delaware County), Ranger Cleinman helped two lost hikers from Brooklyn return safely after locating them using coordinates provided by dispatchers.
The public is advised to plan ahead before entering backcountry areas by visiting DEC’s online resources for hiking safety information. For emergencies involving search and rescue or reporting illegal activity on state lands or easements, individuals can contact Forest Rangers at 833-NYS-RANGERS or call 911 for urgent assistance. Regional contact information is available on the DEC website.
