The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers have reported their activities for the week, highlighting ongoing efforts in search and rescue operations, wildfire response, public outreach, and training across the state.
As of July 1, DEC Forest Rangers have completed 139 search and rescue missions this year. They have also extinguished 82 wildfires that affected nearly 705 acres and participated in 56 prescribed fires aimed at rejuvenating over 1,500 acres of land. In comparison, during all of 2024, rangers responded to 362 search and rescue incidents, managed 122 wildfires covering almost 6,500 acres, assisted with more than 60 prescribed burns rejuvenating over 1,155 acres, and were involved in cases leading to 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,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “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.”
In Warren and Washington counties over the past two weeks, Ranger Donegan led advanced rope rescue training for 22 rangers at Buck Mountain and West Brook. The training focused on complex rigging techniques necessary for rescues in difficult terrain.
Public outreach efforts included participation by Ranger Chappell at the Empire State of Work event held at SUNY ESF campus on September 24-25. Alongside other agency staff members from DEC and partner organizations, Ranger Chappell discussed career opportunities with students from Syracuse University and SUNY ESF.
Recent wilderness rescues included multiple incidents:
– On September 24 near Mount Marcy (Town of Keene), rangers assisted an off-trail hiker from Brooklyn overnight.
– On September 26 on Devil’s Path (Town of Hunter), six rangers coordinated with local EMS for a hoist rescue via New York State Police helicopter after a hiker suffered an unstable ankle injury.
– In Genesee County’s Town of Alabama on September 26, Ranger Cordell administered Narcan to revive an individual found incapacitated due to suspected drug overdose.
– Several searches took place between September 26–28 in Essex County towns such as North Elba (locating two missing juveniles) and North Hudson (assisting lost hikers).
– Additional medical assists occurred on Snowy Mountain (Hamilton County), Beck-Horn Mountain (Essex County), Ampersand Mountain Trail (Franklin County), Upper Wolfjaw Mountain (Essex County), among others.
A wildland fire was contained along Follensby Clear Pond shoreline on September 28 after it burned three feet deep into the ground; officials continue urging caution with outdoor burning due to warm and dry weather conditions.
Forest Rangers remind those venturing into backcountry areas to prepare adequately by consulting resources such as Hike Smart NY or Adirondack Backcountry Information available through DEC’s website. For emergencies requiring ranger assistance—including reporting wildfires or illegal activity—people should call either 833-NYS-RANGERS or 911 for urgent help.
For non-emergency information about specific locations or regional contacts for forest rangers statewide can be found through phone numbers listed by region on the DEC website.
