In 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers carried out a range of emergency and law enforcement operations across the state. According to DEC data, Forest Rangers completed 362 search and rescue missions last year. They also extinguished 202 wildfires that burned a total of 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires covering 1,649 acres, and handled cases leading to more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Additionally, 41 Forest Rangers were sent to assist with fire assignments in ten other states.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “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. 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.”
Recent incidents include a wilderness search in Otsego County’s Town of New Lisbon on January 28. Ranger Laymon responded after a call at 4:38 p.m. reported a missing 70-year-old woman whose husband had lost track of her. Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies traced her path to Butternut Creek. At about 7:40 p.m., Ranger Laymon found her standing in a cornfield near County Route 12. She was hypothermic; Ranger Laymon provided a blanket before escorting her to waiting medical personnel from Otsego County Emergency Medical Services. The woman said she left home before 9:30 a.m. for a walk but became confused during her outing. She was transported to Bassett Hospital for treatment.
Another incident occurred on February 1 in Essex County’s Town of North Elba when Ray Brook Dispatch received an evening call about two hikers and their dog stranded on Haystack Mountain without proper traction devices or headlamps for icy conditions and darkness. Forest Rangers Jansen and Lewis located the group on the trail and helped them safely exit the woods.
The DEC advises hikers to bring ten essential items when hiking—including suitable footwear, traction devices for icy terrain, and light sources such as headlamps—to improve safety during outdoor activities.
The department encourages individuals planning backcountry trips to review resources available on its “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages.
For emergencies involving search and rescue or wildfires—or if illegal activity is observed on state lands—people can contact Forest Rangers at 833-NYS-RANGERS or dial 911 for urgent assistance. Contact information for specific regional rangers is available through the DEC website.
