Recent Statewide Forest Ranger Actions
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 Glenville
Schenectady County
Wilderness Search: On November 13 at 1 a.m., the Glenville Police Department requested Forest Ranger assistance with a search for a missing 14-year-old. The teenager was last seen home at 3.p.m. on November 12. Rangers used a thermal-equipped drone to search the wooded area near the house. The Scotia Police Department and Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office also joined the search. At 6:20 a.m., a roaming patrol car spotted the subject walking on Sacandaga Road. The teen said they found shelter in a barn to stay dry overnight. Resources were clear at 7 a.m.
Town of Horicon
Warren County
Training: On November 15, Forest Rangers conducted a field search exercise as part of the Basic Wildland Search course at the Horicon Volunteer Fire Department and Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation. Nearly 100 members of local search and rescue teams, local fire departments, and New York State Police participated in the exercise. In coordination with the limited continuous search for missing hunter Tom Messick, search and rescue teams focused on areas that could potentially reveal clues about his disappearance. This training coincided with the 10-year anniversary of his disappearance. Messick went hunting with friends and disappeared when his partners walked away to get some supplies. The search lasted several weeks with 300 professionals and volunteers from more than 15 agencies The training coincided with the ten-year anniversary of his disappearance. DEC asks anyone who might have information about his disappearance call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS
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Basic wildland search course
Town of Hunter
Greene County
Wilderness Search: On November 15 at 8 p.m., Greene County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a lost hiker on Mount Mink near the summit of Slide Mountain Hollow. The 53-year-old from New Jersey became disoriented near the Mink Hollow lean-to and the subject’s phone battery was dead. Thankfully, individuals already at the lean-to called 911 to request Ranger assistance in helping the hiker get back on the right trail. Ranger Fox responded and assisted the hiker out of the woods and then to Notch Lake. Resources were clear at 10:30 p.m.
Rangers suggest hikers and hunters bring light sources such as headlamps with extra batteries and not rely on phones for navigation and light. In the wilderness, cell phone batteries lose charge more quickly due to poor signal reception and temperature extremes.
Town of Shandaken
Ulster County
Wilderness Search: On November 16 at 12 p.m., Ulster County 911 contacted Ray Brook Dispatch to send Rangers to a call for a hiker with difficulty breathing near the summit of Slide Mountain Ranger Sweeney made phone contact with the 30-year-old from New Jersey. The original group was eight hikers—four were experienced and left the novice hikers behind. The hiker who needed help has asthma but did not bring an inhaler. While Rangers Horn and Stratton responded, Ranger Sweeney told the group to stay where they were and wait for help. Approximately 15 minutes later, Ranger Sweeney called the group again and the hiker was breathing much better. Rangers Horn and Stratton led the search with Big Indian Fire Department and Shandaken EMS responded to the trailhead. At 2 p.m., rescuers found the hiker in good health. The subject refused further medical attention. Resources were clear at 4:30 p.m.
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.
https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases
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