New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 23:28
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 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."
Town of Roseboom
Otsego County
Wildland Fire: On Oct. 1, at 1:20 p.m., Forest Ranger Laymon was driving south on Route 166 and noticed a column of rising smoke. Ranger Laymon went down to the field and saw a farmer burning a slash pile that got out of control due to the wind. The Ranger and Cherry Valley volunteer firefighters quickly got the 0.6-acre fire under control. By 2:30 p.m., the fire was declared out. Ranger Laymon educated the farmer about clearing the area around a fire to ensure it does not spread, keeping an eye on the weather, and not burning when it is too windy.
Town of Salina
Onondaga County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 1, as part of fire prevention month, Forest Ranger Chappell gave a wildfire prevention presentation at the Liverpool Public Library. Ranger Chappell spoke to children about the duties of a Forest Ranger and how to be safe with fire while recreating outdoors. The children also sang happy birthday to Smokey Bear in celebration of his 80th birthday last month.
Town of Deerpark
Orange County
Lost Dog: On Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m., Forest Ranger Parlier was contacted by a hiker who had lost his dog while hiking Huckleberry Ridge State Forest the previous evening. While searching for the dog, the hiker's SUV became stuck in the woods. Ranger Parlier checked with the humane society who said a local resident had contacted them after finding the dog and posting about it on social media. The Ranger shared the contact information with the dog's owner and the two were reunited. Ranger Parlier then helped the owner recover his stuck SUV.
Hamlet of Altmar
Oswego County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 3 at 9:38 p.m., the Oswego County Search and Rescue Team called Acting Forest Ranger Captain Virkler about a search for a 61-year-old subject from Massachusetts. The subject had last been seen heading toward a hunting camp near the Salmon River Fish Hatchery. Oswego County and New York State Police deployed two K9 units and seven drones in the search. Eight Rangers joined the search and learned the subject had health concerns. At 10:30 p.m., Rangers located the subject's ATV on a trail and continued searching for them. On Oct. 4 at 12:40 p.m., search crews located the subject in good health and turned him over to EMS. Over the course of the day, 45 searchers from multiple agencies worked together to provide a successful outcome.
Town of Black Brook
Clinton County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 4 at 2:49 p.m., Clinton County requested Forest Ranger assistance with an injured subject in the Silver Lake Bog Preserve. Rangers Black, Bowler, and Odell worked with AuSable Forks Fire Department to carry the 70-year-old from Cadyville back to the trailhead where she was met by an ambulance. Resources were clear at 6:05 p.m.
Town of Greece
Monroe County
State Land Maintenance: On Oct. 4, Forest Ranger Lieutenant Kennedy and Ranger Miller assisted DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife with trail clearing at Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Recent storms had knocked down trees, blocking access to the highly used area.
Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 4 at 8:55 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to a call from a group of five hikers who became lost descending Beaver Meadow Falls trail on the east side of Gothics Mountain. The hikers were cold and concerned about the steep terrain. The group was using phones for navigation and light and device batteries were low. At 10:29 p.m., Rangers made contact with the subjects and helped them back to their vehicles. Upon interviewing the subjects, Rangers learned the group started their hike at 4 p.m. with a group of nine but had split up due to different abilities. Rangers verified all nine subjects made it back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 11:32 p.m.
While phones can be useful, they can lose their charge quickly in the wilderness. When visiting the backcountry, it is important to have a map and compass and know how to use them. A headlamp or other light source is also a necessity; phones should not be relied on for light.
Town of Inlet
Hamilton County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 5, Forest Ranger Snye and Smokey Bear attended Adirondack Kids Day at Arrowhead Park. Ranger Snye educated attendees on wildfire prevention and campfire safety. Ranger Snye also explained how Rangers fight wildfires here in New York, as well as other states and Canada.
City of Albany
Albany County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 5, Forest Ranger Jackson and Smokey Bear joined News 10 ABC for an interview about fire safety during the annual Smokey Bear Day at the Albany Pine Bush. At the Pine Bush, hundreds of people learned about the preserve, hiked numerous trails, and learned about prescribed fire and maintaining this unique habitat while getting a hands-on look at fire tools and equipment.
Town of Fishkill
Dutchess County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 5, Forest Rangers Pries and Russo participated in the annual Harvest Fest at the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center. Approximately 5,000 people attended the event. At the event, Rangers and Smokey Bear educated the public about wildland fire safety.
Town of Cairo
Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 5 at 3:55 p.m., Greene County requested Forest Ranger assistance with an injured hiker at the Storks Nest trail in the Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness. The 49-year-old from Earlton had head and arm injuries. Rangers Fox and France reached the subject, assessed her injuries, and carried her to the trailhead. The subject was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Resources were clear at 5:49 p.m.
Town of Pinckney
Lewis County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 5 at 5:21 p.m., Lewis County Dispatch received a call from two hikers who advised they had been climbing down the edge of Inman Gulf and unable to climb up or down. Prior to Ranger arrival, the 23- and 24-year-olds from Fort Drum managed to make it to the bottom of the gorge. At 6:30 p.m., Rangers reached the pair, provided them with food and water, and hiked them out two miles to Whitesville Road. Resources were clear at 7:55 p.m.
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 5 at 6 p.m., Forest Rangers Black and O'Connor responded to a call for a hiker in distress on the Lake Arnold Trail. The hiker was experiencing weakness and could not continue with her group. Rangers reached the 20-year-old from Spencertown and helped her back to the trailhead to reunite with hiking partners. Resources were clear at 9:07 p.m.
DEC encourages hikers to make sure they are hydrated and well-nourished before heading out for an adventure. Hikers should also bring extra food and water in case their hike takes longer than expected.
Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 5 at 6:04 p.m., Forest Ranger Curcio responded to a call for a subject with extreme cramping on Pyramid Peak. A total of 10 Rangers responded for the carry-out mission for the 52-year-old from Mount Vernon. Rangers used a wheeled litter to bring the subject down to the Adirondack Mountain Reserve Parking area where an ambulance transported him to the hospital. Resources were clear at 3:41 a.m.
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 5 at 10:36 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker with a foot injury on Mount Marcy. Forest Rangers Adams and Jansen reached the 27-year-old from St. James who made it to the Marcy Dam outpost. The hiker complained of hip and foot pain. Rangers helped her back to Adirondak Loj where they waited for the rest of her hiking party. The hiker declined further medical treatment. Resources were clear at 12:30 a.m.
Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 6 at 2:09 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker with a leg injury near Marcy Dam. Ranger Adams, who had recently finished helping a hiker with a foot injury at Marcy Dam, went back to help the 22-year-old from Merrick. Ranger Adams helped the hiker to Adirondak Loj. Resources were clear at 3:40 a.m.
Town of East Fishkill
Dutchess County
Public Outreach: On Oct. 6, Forest Rangers Pries and Russo participated in the annual open house at the East Fishkill Fire District. Visitors met Smokey Bear, learned about CPR from the American Red Cross, watched several demonstrations of extractions and car fires, and had the opportunity to use e fire hose. Forest Rangers spoke about wildland fire safety and general job responsibilities.
Town of Westport
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 6 at 2:16 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Essex County 911 about a hiker lost on the Split Rock Mountain trail. Forest Ranger Odell responded to the caller's coordinates, but the hiker had moved along the trail. Ranger Odell later located the 79-year-old from Schenectady and escorted her to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 4:32 p.m.
Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 6 at 2:47 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker who had fallen on Allen Mountain, hit his head, and was experiencing nausea. Forest Ranger Snye made contact with the hiking party, who said that despite the injury, the 42-year-old from Delmar was able to walk. At 6:43 p.m., Rangers reached the subject and suspected he had suffered a traumatic brain injury. Rangers helped the hiker walk out to a waiting ambulance. Resources were clear at 9:15 p.m.
Town of Morehouse
Hamilton County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 6 at 8:19 p.m., Hamilton County 911 reported an SOS activation along the Brooktrout Lake trail in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest. The hiker had slipped on a wet rock and injured his knee. At 9:55 p.m., Forest Ranger Miller located the 67-year-old from Rochester, provided warm clothes, built a fire to warm the subject, and requested more Rangers to assist with a carry out. Rangers Nally, Scott, and Thompson responded in a UTV. Rangers splinted the subject's knee and drove him 3.5 miles to the trailhead where they were met by Inlet EMS who then transported the subject to the hospital. Resources were clear at 2:15 a.m.
Town of Santa Clara
Franklin County
Wildland Fire: On Oct. 7 at 3:32 a.m., Franklin County requested Forest Ranger assistance with a wildland fire caused by a lightning strike on Bartlett Carry Road. Three Rangers joined the Tupper Lake Fire Department. They used an electric company bucket truck to extinguish the fire on the 55-foot-tall tree. By 7:20 a.m., firefighters had the fire under control.
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.