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.

As of July 1, Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions in 2025, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land to date. 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 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."

Town of Hunter
Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 22 at 4:05 p.m., Forest Ranger Peterson responded to Kaaterskill Falls for a report of a 21-year-old from Long Island who had fallen down an embankment while walking to a swimming area. Assistant Forest Ranger Massa and Ranger Peterson provided first aid for multiple cuts and bruises to the subject's face and then walked them to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 5:04 p.m.

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Water Recovery: On Aug. 22 at 6:10 p.m., a caller reported that a boater had jumped into the water from a pontoon boat in Lower Saranac Lake near Eagle Island and hadn't been seen since. Six Forest Rangers, four Environmental Conservation Police Officers, a New York State Police (NYSP) dive team, and Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake fire departments joined the search effort. At 12:30 a.m., searchers cleared for the night. The following morning, the NYSP dive team started using sonar. Eight Forest Rangers continued searching the shore and patrolling in boats to assist the NYSP dive team. On Aug. 24 at 11:02 a.m., NYSP divers located the 76-year-old deceased. The subject was turned over to the Franklin County Coroner.

Town of East Otto
Cattaraugus County
Wildland Fire: On Aug. 23 at 1:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a camper at East Otto State Forest about a ground fire at a camp site. Forest Rangers Christopher and Robitaille determined the 40-square-foot-fire resulted from an escaped campfire. Rangers dug a hand line around the fire and used a pump to get water from a creek to get the fire under control. By 7:22 p.m., the fire was contained.