In the first half of 2025, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers carried out 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires that burned nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed burns that revitalized over 1,500 acres. For all of 2024, they responded to 362 search and rescue calls, put out 122 wildfires across about 6,500 acres, managed 60 prescribed fires benefiting more than 1,150 acres, and issued over 1,200 tickets and arrests.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton commented on the work of the Forest Rangers: “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, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” 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.”
On November 13 in Glenville (Schenectady County), local police requested help searching for a missing teenager last seen at home the previous afternoon. Using a thermal drone along with assistance from Scotia Police Department and Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Rangers joined the search. The teenager was found safe by a patrol car early in the morning after having taken shelter overnight in a barn.
On November 15 in Horicon (Warren County), Forest Rangers held a field exercise as part of basic wildland search training at Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation. Nearly 100 participants from local agencies took part. This exercise coincided with ten years since hunter Tom Messick disappeared during an outing; search efforts at that time involved hundreds from over fifteen agencies. DEC continues to seek information regarding his disappearance.
That same evening in Hunter (Greene County), Rangers helped locate a lost hiker from New Jersey near Mount Mink after his phone battery died. Individuals at a nearby lean-to called for help; Ranger Fox guided him safely back to Notch Lake.
Rangers advise those venturing into wilderness areas to carry headlamps with spare batteries rather than relying solely on cell phones for light or navigation because batteries can drain quickly due to poor signal or cold temperatures.
On November 16 in Shandaken (Ulster County), dispatchers sent rangers after receiving word that a hiker with asthma was struggling near Slide Mountain’s summit. The group was told by Ranger Sweeney to wait for help; shortly after making contact again, it was reported that her condition had improved. Additional responders located her in good health later that afternoon.
The department urges hikers to prepare properly before entering remote areas by consulting resources such as Hike Smart NY or other DEC backcountry information pages.
For emergencies involving state land—whether reporting lost persons, wildfires, or illegal activity—the public is encouraged to call either the dedicated ranger line at 833-NYS-RANGERS or dial 911 for urgent needs. Regional contact numbers are available on the DEC website.
