DEC Forest Rangers – Week in Review

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 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.

"Whether they are leading complex search and rescue incidents, suppressing wildfires, enforcing laws on State lands and easements, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, or encouraging responsible recreation, Forest Rangers stand ready to help when called," DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Maharsaid. "Forest Rangers' wide-ranging expertise and collaboration with local, State, and federal partners are instrumental in protecting New York's public lands and the many visitors who use them."

Hamlet of Wanakena
St. Lawrence County
Forest Ranger Academy: The 24^th Basic School for Forest Rangers completed week six of their training at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Ranger School. The recruits received training in defensive tactics, wildland firefighting, electronic communications, as well as swimming and water survival. Anyone interested in becoming a Forest Ranger must sign up for the next civil service exam before Aug. 14. The exam is scheduled for Sept. 28.

Water survival training

Water survival training

Defensive tactics training

Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Wilderness Rescues: On June 24, at 4:10 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker with a dislocated knee at the Lake Colden Outpost. Eight Forest Rangers responded. While making their way to the outpost, the Rangers received a call about a second hiker from a different group, who suffered a finger injury. Rangers reached the two subjects at 7:25 p.m. and rendered aid. Ranger Foutch wrapped the 38-year-old's dislocated knee and Ranger Lewis cut the ring off the 28-year-old's finger to reduce the pressure and provided a headlamp so she could continue her hike. Rangers took the subject with the knee injury by boat across the lake and then assisted him to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 12:30 a.m.

Rangers rescue subject with dislocated knee

Town of Dresden
Washington County
Wilderness Search: On June 27, at 6:07 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from two hikers at a trail junction near Black Mountain who were unsure of how to get back to their vehicle. At 9:18 p.m., Forest Ranger Kabrehl located the 65-year-old and 70-year-old from Long Island and escorted them back to their vehicle.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 27, at 11 p.m., Forest Ranger Praczkajlo responded to a call for a hiker who get separated from his hiking partner while descending Wright Peak. At 12:09 a.m., Ranger Praczkajlo reached the 58-year-old from the state of Florida and learned the hiker was suffering from leg cramps. Ranger Praczkajlo assisted the subject to the trailhead and on to reunite with his party. Resources were clear at 2:39 a.m.

Towns of Keene and North Elba
Essex County
Training: On June 28, 16 Forest Rangers finished two week-long rope rescue training courses. The trainings were held at various locations in Keene and North Elba, including the Keene Valley Fire Department, and were led by Ranger Donegan, assisted by Rangers Dawson, Martin, and Rooney.

Rope rescue training

Rope rescue training

Rope rescue training

City of Albany
Albany County
Prescribed Fires: On June 28, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Mitchell along with staff and volunteers from DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, Albany Pine Bush, and State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation conducted a prescribed fire on eight acres in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Prescribed fire is an important land management tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. These burns are regulated by law and regulation and require technical expertise to conduct safely. Controlled burns help prevent the spread of invasive species, and in some areas, prescribed fire is also used to reduce the buildup of wood, timber litter, and other fuel to reduce the potential for wildfires that threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. DEC carefully and responsibly implements prescribed fires only when conditions are favorable to meet land management goals.

Albany Pine Bush prescribed fire crew

Prescribed fire at Albany Pine Bush

Town of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Training: On June 28, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Geesler and Ranger Milano worked with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office on boat safety checks on Indian Lake. While making sure boaters were safe, Deputies provided decades worth of knowledge of the area to the Rangers that will be invaluable during future search and rescue missions.

Village of Tivoli
Dutchess County
Tree Removal: On June 30, four people were unable to move their vehicles in Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area after a storm knocked down multiple trees. Forest Ranger Lieutenant Mitchell and Ranger Pries cut and removed three trees from the access road off of Kidd Road. Rangers joined Tivoli Bays Fire Department, Bard College Security, and Redhook Police to remove three more trees from Cruger Island Road.

Trees down in Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 30, at 3:34 p.m., the Wright Mountain summit steward reported a 70-year-old subject fell, suffering a broken nose and teeth. Forest Ranger Evans reached the subject by 5 p.m., assessed the injuries, and helped walk him to the trailhead where they were met by a Lake Placid Ambulance. Resources were clear at 6:11 p.m.

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.

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