The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers have reported their activities for the year to date, highlighting ongoing efforts in search and rescue operations, wildfire response, and public outreach across the state.
As of July 1, 2025, DEC Forest Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires that burned nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that helped rejuvenate 1,514 acres. In comparison, throughout 2024 they carried out 362 search and rescue missions, responded to 122 wildfires covering almost 6,500 acres, took part in 60 prescribed burns benefiting over 1,155 acres of land, and were involved in cases resulting in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said: “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. 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 recent weeks across several counties:
– In Warren and Washington Counties’ Buck Mountain area, Ranger Donegan led technical rope rescue training for 22 rangers focused on advanced rigging techniques.
– At SUNY ESF campus in Syracuse on September 24-25, Ranger Chappell joined other agency staff at the Empire State of Work event to speak with students about becoming a Forest Ranger.
– On September 24 near Mount Marcy (Essex County), rangers assisted an off-trail hiker from Brooklyn who was found after midnight; he was escorted safely back by late morning.
– In Greene County on September 26 at Devil’s Path trail (Indian Head Wilderness Area), six rangers coordinated with local EMS for a hoist helicopter rescue of a hiker with an unstable ankle injury.
– On September 26 in Genesee County’s Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, Ranger Cordell administered Narcan to revive an incapacitated individual found with drug paraphernalia.
– That same day in Essex County’s Town of North Elba two missing juveniles were located unharmed by Rangers Martin and Quinn after a short search.
– Overnight into September 27 on Hough Mountain (Essex County), two lost hikers were located early morning by Rangers Donegan and Nahor.
– Later that day below Snowy Mountain summit (Hamilton County), rangers aided a hiker with a suspected dislocated shoulder.
– Also on September 27 at Beck-Horn Mountain (Essex County), two prepared but distressed hikers were provided aid during a nighttime descent.
– On September 28 along Follensby Clear Pond shoreline (Franklin County), Ranger R. Praczkajlo suppressed a campfire that had spread underground; it was declared out the following day amid warnings about warm dry conditions increasing fire risk.
– The same weekend saw searches or rescues at Crane Mountain (Warren County), Ampersand Mountain trail (Franklin County), and Upper Wolfjaw Mountain (Essex County).
Forest Rangers remind those venturing outdoors to prepare properly before entering backcountry areas. More information is available through DEC’s online resources such as Hike Smart NY.
For assistance or emergencies involving state lands—including reporting wildfires or illegal activity—individuals can contact Forest Rangers directly via numbers listed by region on the DEC website or call emergency services at any time.
