The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/04/2024 11:14 AM EDT
DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review
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 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.
“Whether they are leading complex search and rescue incidents, suppressing wildfires, enforcing laws on State lands and easements, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, or encouraging responsible recreation, Forest Rangers stand ready to help when called,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Maharsaid. “Forest Rangers’ wide-ranging expertise and collaboration with local, State, and federal partners are instrumental in protecting New York’s public lands and the many visitors who use them.”
Hamlet of Wanakena St. Lawrence County Ranger Academy: From May 27 to 31, the 24th Basic School for Forest Rangers completed week two of training at the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) Ranger School. The recruits completed training in procedural justice, ethics and professionalism, first aid including CPR, and incident response. On May 31, Forest Ranger staff and the recruit class conducted a remembrance celebration for the late Captain Chris Kostoss by participating in a ruck hike up to Cathedral Rock while carrying weighted packs and rescue equipment. After reaching the summit, a mock rescue was organized and executed, followed by a brief ceremony at the campus flagpole commemorating Captain Kostoss’ contributions to the Division of Forest Protection and highlighting the importance of mental health.
First aid training at 24th Basic School for Forest Rangers
Ruck hike at 24th Basic School for Forest Rangers
Mock rescue at 24th Basic School for Forest Rangers
Hamlet of Ridge Suffolk County Law Enforcement: On May 31 at 7:15 p.m., Forest Ranger Hicks observed two ATV riders pull into a gas station after operating on the highway. While writing tickets for the illegal operation, one of the operators was non-compliant and made physical contact with Ranger Hicks. The Ranger arrested the 32-year-old for obstructing government administration and impounded both ATVs. Hicks did not ticket the second subject due to the rider’s juvenile status.
Town of North Elba Essex County Wilderness Search: On June 1 at 10:49 a.m., the Marcy Summit Steward contacted Ray Brook Dispatch about a 12-year-old and 15-year-old who became separated from their parents on Mount Marcy. From Marcy Dam, the children from Canada took the Avalanche Lake trail instead of the trail to Marcy. Forest Rangers, Assistant Forest Rangers, and the Lake Colden Caretaker spread the word about and searched for the missing children. A group of hikers found the children and redirected them to their parents. The family was reunited at 12:34 p.m.
Town of Italy Yates County Wilderness Rescue: On June 1 at 3:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Dormer responded to a report from Yates County 911 regarding two hikers stranded near Weeping Falls in the High Tor Wildlife Management Area. Ranger Dormer called one of the two hikers, a 33-year-old from Rochester, and determined neither hiker was injured. Ranger Dormer then called Naples Volunteer Fire Department and the Ontario County High Angle Rope Rescue Team to assist in the rescue. At 4:45 p.m., rescue crews reached the hikers and assisted them down multiple sets of waterfalls and out of a gully using a rope system. Resources were clear at 6:15 p.m.
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.
