In the first half of 2025, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers carried out 139 search and rescue operations, responded to 82 wildfires that burned nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed burns that helped restore 1,514 acres. For the previous year, DEC Forest Rangers reported conducting 362 search and rescue missions, extinguishing 122 wildfires across almost 6,500 acres, taking part in 60 prescribed fires rejuvenating over 1,155 acres, and handling cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “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. 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 December 14 in Fabius Village (Onondaga County), Forest Ranger Chappell led training with the Central New York Region of National Ski Patrol at Highland Forest Park. Eighteen participants from New York and Pennsylvania received instruction on wilderness travel safety, navigation skills, survival techniques, group dynamics management, basic search-and-rescue operations including emergency shelter building and rope skills. The training included field practice and an overnight campout.
In Shandaken (Ulster County), on December 20 at approximately noon, Forest Ranger Rusher assisted at a brush fire caused by a downed power line near state routes 28 and 212. The Olive Fire Department put out the flames while Ranger Rusher remained until power was shut off.
The following day in Shandaken at about 5:50 p.m., Ulster County emergency dispatch requested assistance for two lost hikers on Giant Ledge trail amid zero-degree windchill temperatures. The hikers were inadequately dressed for winter hiking conditions without proper footwear or headlamps. They became disoriented after leaving the trail during their descent; both crossed streams resulting in wet feet before contacting emergency services via text message. Rangers Jeffery and Rusher followed tracks off-trail and located the pair around 7:15 p.m., providing them with hot tea, headlamps, dry socks before escorting them back to safety. Both hikers received advice on winter hiking safety.
Also on December 20 at around 9 p.m., Pittstown Fire Department (Rensselaer County) requested help from Forest Rangers for three burn piles left unattended on Holbritter Road. Water was used to control the fire; an excavator completed suppression efforts. Ranger Jackson issued a ticket for leaving a fire unattended.
The public is encouraged to plan carefully before entering remote areas by consulting resources such as Hike Smart NY or regional backcountry information pages available through DEC’s website.
For emergencies involving forest rangers—including rescues or wildfire reports—individuals can call either 833-NYS-RANGERS or dial 911 for urgent situations. Contact information by region is also listed on the DEC website.