The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 04/08/2025 10:56 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 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 our state owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether it is a search and rescue call or a wildfire burning out of control, they are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Every day and in all conditions, 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 Middletown Delaware County Training: On April 1, Forest Ranger Bink conducted wildland fire training for 10 members of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP). Participants from Arkville and Grahamsville practiced fire construction techniques and learned about fire behavior and safety.
NYCDEP fire training
NYCDEP fire training
Albany, Chenango, and Suffolk Counties Prescribed Burns:Prescribed fire is an important land management tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. These burns are regulated by law and regulation and require technical expertise to conduct safely. Controlled burns help prevent the spread of invasive species, and in some areas, prescribed fire is used to reduce the buildup of wood, timber litter, and other fuel to reduce the potential for wildfires that threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. DEC carefully and responsibly implements prescribed fires only when conditions are favorable to meet land management goals, including while the statewide annual ban on residential brush burning is in effect. The following burns recently took place:
On April 1 and 2, Forest Rangers and DEC staff from Division of Lands and Forests and other offices conducted prescribed burns in Suffolk County on more than 87 acres in the Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest in both Brookhaven and Riverhead, and an additional 40 acres in the Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest.
On April 2, Forest Rangers conducted a prescribed burn in Albany County on 50 acres in the Albany Pine Bush with the Division of Lands and Forests and Office of Emergency Management, and staff from the Albany Pine Bush. Drone video of the burn is available (video, 3.5 GB) (link works in Chrome).
On April 2, Forest Rangers and staff from the Divisions of Lands and Forests and Fish and Wildlife conducted a prescribed burn in Chenango County on nearly 95 acres on Long Pond State Forest.
On April 4, Forest Rangers, the Division of Lands and Forests, and other DEC staff conducted a prescribed burn in Suffolk County on 17 acres in the Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest.
Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest prescribed fire
Rangers Lt. Hettenbaugh (right) and Perryman (left) at Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest prescribed fire
Rangers Lt. Hettenbaugh (right) and Hicks (left) at Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest prescribed fire
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.
