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 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 Bath
Steuben County
Training: On July 13 and 17, Forest Rangers Richer and Staples led the Basic Wildland Fire Suppression course for 25 volunteer firefighters from Bath, Hammondsport, Hornsby, and Painted Post Fire Departments. Rangers taught firefighters about tactics for wildland fire suppression and the tools used for combating wildland fires.

Village of Middleburgh
Schoharie County
Water Recovery: On July 14 at 11:32 a.m., Forest Ranger France responded to a call for a missing person along the Schoharie Creek. The subject had been missing since the previous afternoon. Ranger France, the New York State Police (NYSP) Dive Team, New York State Office of Fire Prevention, Schoharie County Sheriff's Office, Schoharie County Search and Rescue, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, and the Middleburgh and Schoharie Fire Departments joined in the search efforts. At 5:15 p.m., a Schoharie County Sheriff's Office drone detected activity downstream approximately 500 yards from the NYSP Dive Team. At 5:35 p.m., the NYSP Dive Team located the 39-year-old subject deceased. The Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation.

Town of Lake Pleasant
Hamilton County
Medical Emergency: On July 15 at 1 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a report of a camper experiencing a medical issue, possibly atrial fibrillation. Forest Rangers Nally and Savarie responded to the Indian Lake Islands campground boat launch where they were met by Speculator EMS and campground staff. Rangers retrieved the 71-year-old from Ohio and transported them to the boat launch. Speculator EMS transported the patient to the hospital. Resources were clear at 6 a.m.

Town of Hunter
Greene County
Dog Rescue: On July 16 at 11:38 a.m., Greene County requested Forest Ranger assistance with a dog that had fallen into a crevice on the Escarpment Trail. Rangers Welch and Dawson set up a rope and pully system. Ranger Dawson rappelled into the crevice. Ranger Welch and an off-duty Greene County Sheriff's Deputy helped pull the one-and-a-half-year-old Australian shepherd to safety. Learn more from the dog's owner on DEC's YouTube page.