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."

City of Poughkeepsie
Dutchess County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 15, Forest Rangers Pries and Russo spoke to Marist University students at the college's Crime and Justice Club's annual Internship and Career Fair. Rangers discussed the job responsibilities and requirements to become a Forest Ranger with students interested in a career in law enforcement.

Town of Kent
Putnam County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 17, Forest Rangers Pries and Russo participated in the town of Kent's annual trunk or treat event at the Kent Town Center. Forest Rangers handed out candy to more than 800 children visiting their haunted campsite and Ranger truck.

Ranger Pries at Kent trunk or treat

Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 20 at 7:34 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a lost hiker on Ester Mountain. Forest Ranger H. Praczkajlo made contact with the 76-year-old from Rochester who explained they were cold and wet and only had seven percent charge left on a cell phone. Ranger Praczkajlo started hiking in and advised the hiker to continue hiking on the trail to stay warm. At 8:25 p.m., the hiker called to report part of a tree was blocking the trail and they could not navigate around it. At 9:17 p.m., Ranger Praczkajlo reached the hiker, provided warm clothes, hand warmers, and a headlamp, and assisted the hiker down the Marble Mountain trail to the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center trailhead. Resources were clear at 12:09 a.m.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 21 at 7:28 p.m., Forest Ranger Lewis responded to a call about separated hikers on Wolfjaw Mountain. Two hikers made it back to the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, but their parents did not. At 9:35 p.m., Ranger Lewis located the 50- and 53-year-old from Delaware and escorted them to their children. Resources were clear at 11:30 p.m.

Village of Red Hook
Dutchess County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 23, Forest Rangers Pries and Russo attended the Red Hook Career and Trade Fair at Red Hook High School. Rangers spoke to students and the general public about their jobs and had a table full of the gear they use while out on search and rescue or wildfire calls.

Rangers Pries and Russo at Red Hook Career and Trade Fair

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 25, Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about three hikers between Seward and Donaldson Mountains requesting assistance because they were cold, wet, and did not have any dry layers with them. One hiker was also experiencing leg cramping. Forest Rangers H. Praczkajlo, R. Praczkajlo, and Quinones located the hikers from Buffalo and assisted them to their vehicles. Resources were clear at 10:23 p.m.

Rangers suggest hiking with the 10 hiking essentials, including moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather. They also suggest avoiding cotton clothing because it holds moisture.

Town of Hopkinton
St Lawrence County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 25 at 10:15 p.m., New York State Police (NYSP) requested Forest Ranger assistance locating a missing hunter. The hunter was with a nephew on private land when they became separated. Rangers joined NYSP and the Parishville Fire Department in the search. At 11:14 p.m., family and other members of the hunting party located the 71-year-old from Norfolk.

Village of Hancock
Delaware County
Wilderness Recue: On Oct. 26 at 4:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from two hikers who stated they were lost off trail at Jensen's Ledges. Forest Ranger Cleinman spoke with the hikers from Brooklyn and obtained coordinates. By 7 p.m., Ranger Cleinman located the hikers at their coordinates and assisted them back to their vehicle.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.