As of July 1, Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions in 2025, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land to date. 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 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.”

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Town of Hunter, Greene County

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Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 22 at 4:05 p.m., Forest Ranger Peterson responded to Kaaterskill Falls for a report of a 21-year-old from Long Island who had fallen down an embankment while walking to a swimming area. Assistant Forest Ranger Massa and Ranger Peterson provided first aid for multiple cuts and bruises to the subject’s face and then walked them to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 5:04 p.m.

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Town of Harrietstown, Franklin County

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Water Recovery: On Aug. 22 at 6:10 p.m., a caller reported that a boater had jumped into the water from a pontoon boat in Lower Saranac Lake near Eagle Island and hadn’t been seen since. Six Forest Rangers, four Environmental Conservation Police Officers, a New York State Police dive team, and Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake fire departments joined the search effort. At 12:30 a.m., searchers cleared for the night. The following morning, the NYSP dive team started using sonar. Eight Forest Rangers continued searching the shore and patrolling in boats to assist the NYSP dive team. On Aug. 24 at 11:02 a.m., NYSP divers located the 76-year-old deceased. The subject was turned over to the Franklin County Coroner.

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Town of East Otto, Cattaraugus County

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Wildland Fire: On Aug. 23 at 1:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a camper at East Otto State Forest about a ground fire at a camp site. Forest Rangers Christopher and Robitaille determined the 40-square-foot-fire resulted from an escaped campfire. Rangers dug a hand line around the fire and used a pump to get water from a creek to get the fire under control. By 7:22 p.m., the fire was contained.

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Town of Arietta, Hamilton County

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Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 23 at 5:54 p.m., Forest Rangers O’Connell and Thompson responded to a call for a hiker who had fallen on the Echo Cliff trail near Panther Mountain. Speculator EMS was already with the 60-year-old from East Aurora. Rangers helped EMS carry the subject approximately one-half mile out to the trailhead. EMS then transported the subject to the hospital.

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Town of North Elba, Essex County

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Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 23 at 6 p.m., Forest Ranger Sabo responded to a call for a hiker who had rolled their ankle on Algonquin Mountain near the Wright junction. At 7:10 p.m., Ranger Sabo reached the 29-year-old and their hiking partner approximately 200 yards above McIntyre Falls and splinted the hiker’s ankle before heading to another call. Forest Ranger Lieutenant DiCintio met the subjects on the trail and escorted them back to the Heart Lake campsite. Resources were clear at 2:15 a.m.

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Town of North Elba, Essex County

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Wilderness Recovery: On Aug. 23 at 9:13 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Essex County reporting an unresponsive subject at Marcy Dam. Forest Ranger Foutch spoke to the caller and instructed them to obtain an automated external defibrillator from the Outpost and follow the instructions while additional Rangers responded and transported Lake Placid EMS to Marcy Dam via UTV. The 69-year-old from Wappingers Falls was pronounced dead at the scene. New York State Police are investigating.

Becoming A Forest Ranger: Those interested in future opportunities to become a Forest Ranger are encouraged to apply by Sept. 17 to take the next Civil Service exam scheduled this fall. The exam is a multiple-choice test. All candidates who are qualified to take the entry-level law enforcement exam will receive an admission notice via mail approximately two weeks prior to the date of the written test with additional details. Visit the Civil Service website to learn more.

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 at dec.ny.gov 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.