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 the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and 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, 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."

Town of Woodstock
Ulster County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m., Ulster County Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker with a leg injury on Phoenicia-Mt. Tobias Wild Forest. GPS coordinates placed the hiker on a steep section of the long path just south of Warner Creek. Rangers Franceschina, Jeffery, and Rusher responded with Woodstock Fire and EMS. At 2:30 p.m., Ranger Rusher reached the 57-year-old hiker from Stony Point and stabilized the injured leg with a splint. Due to the cold weather and lack of movement, the patient was also shivering. Ranger Rusher provided layers of clothing and worked with the rest of the hiking party to start a fire. Woodstock EMS provided additional care including pain relief. Rangers used a wheeled litter to extricate the patient across Warner Creek. Rescuers made it out to a Shandaken Ambulance at 6 p.m.

Town of Richland
Oswego County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance from an Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) to join a search for a missing hunter. A 77-year-old hunter became turned around in a swamp and called 911 for assistance, but the phone died during the call. New York State Police and the Oswego County Sherriff's Department joined Rangers and ECOs in the search. At 7 p.m., the Oswego County Sherriff's Department drone pilot located a heat source, which was the hunter. Rescuers walked the hunter out of the area and resources were clear 8:05 p.m.

Town of Canadice
Ontario County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 6 at 4:50 p.m., Forest Rangers Dormer and Raffaldi-Smith responded to a call for a hiker separated from a hiking partner on Rob's Trail at Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. At 5:55 p.m., Forest Rangers located the 71-year-old and reunited the pair.

Town of Van Netten
Chemung County
Training: On Nov. 6 and 8, Forest Rangers Dormer, Miller, Richer, and Staples instructed the Basic Wildland Fire Suppression Course for the Community Fire and Rescue Department. During this course, Rangers taught the 18 firefighters the basics of fire behavior, wildland firefighting tactics, and the tools used in fire suppression.