In the latest weekly update, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported on recent activities conducted by its Forest Rangers across the state. The report highlighted ongoing efforts in search and rescue operations, wildfire management, and public safety education.
As of July 1, 2025, DEC Forest Rangers have responded to 139 search and rescue incidents statewide this year. They have also extinguished 82 wildfires that affected nearly 705 acres and participated in 56 prescribed burns aimed at rejuvenating more than 1,500 acres. In comparison, throughout 2024 Rangers carried out a total of 362 search and rescue missions, managed 122 wildfires over approximately 6,500 acres, took part in prescribed fires covering over 1,150 acres, and were involved in cases resulting in more than 1,200 tickets or 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.”
Among recent incidents was a wildland fire near Bear Lake in Hamilton County’s West Canada Lakes Wilderness. After being alerted by a member of the public on September 15th about a remote fire site, Forest Ranger Caswell responded alongside other rangers who used hand tools overnight before additional support arrived via helicopter from New York State Police Aviation. The fire was declared out on September 22.
In Ontario County on September 17th, Forest Ranger Dormer assisted local fire departments with rescuing a hiker injured on Rob’s Trail near Hemlock Lake. Emergency responders transported the patient using a wheeled litter and boat to an ambulance waiting at North Hemlock boat launch.
Training efforts continue as well; on September 18th in Rensselaer County’s Town of Brunswick, Forest Ranger Jackson joined drone-assisted search exercises led by county officials with participation from local law enforcement agencies.
Multiple wilderness rescues occurred over several days: On September 20th near Keene (Essex County), two hikers lost while bushwhacking without basic navigation tools were located after several hours by Ranger Foutch. That same night in Ulster County’s Slide Mountain Wilderness Area another overdue hiker was found fatigued but unharmed after misjudging hike difficulty; rangers stressed carrying maps and backup chargers due to reliance on phones for navigation.
Additional searches included locating an overdue hiker off Big Slide Mountain early on September 21st after they spent the night away from trails undetected by searchers’ calls but rejoined them after spotting headlamps at dawn. In North Hudson (Essex County), forest rangers responded to hypothermia complaints among hikers returning late from Elk Lake trailhead while others were still unaccounted for but later returned safely.
On September 21st near Elizabethtown (Essex County), rangers aided an adult suffering dehydration symptoms during a backcountry trip with a child; both were helped out by paramedics after being located less than one mile up-trail.
The department continues to remind outdoor enthusiasts about proper preparation before venturing into backcountry areas—emphasizing planning routes thoroughly and packing enough supplies for unforeseen circumstances—and directs those seeking guidance or needing emergency assistance to contact their regional ranger or dial emergency services as appropriate.
