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21-Year-Old Hiker Rescued After Getting Lost on Boy Scout Property in BETHEL, N.Y.
A late-night search in Sullivan County ended safely after a 21-year-old hiker from Brooklyn was rescued on Boy Scout property in the Town of Bethel.
On August 17, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the White Lake Fire Department requested assistance from New York State Forest Rangers after the hiker called 911 to report being lost. The caller also warned that their cell phone battery was nearly drained.

Go Explore NY
Aug 25, 20251 min read


68-Year-Old Hiker Rescued After Injury on Black Dome Mountain in Windham NY
WINDHAM, N.Y. – A 68-year-old hiker from Oneonta was rescued late at night after suffering an ankle injury while on the Black Dome Mountain trail in Greene County.
On August 14, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Greene County 911 requested assistance from New York State Forest Rangers after reports came in of a hiker with an unstable ankle injury about two miles up the trail.

Go Explore NY
Aug 25, 20251 min read


5 Must-See Spots in Sylvan Beach, NY
Sylvan Beach may be small in size, but this lakeside gem on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake is packed with charm, history, and plenty to do. Whether you’re visiting for a day or making it your summer getaway, here are five spots you won’t want to miss.

Go Explore NY
Aug 13, 20252 min read


Hiker Airlifted After Fall at Split Rock Falls
A 50-year-old hiker from Peru, New York, was rescued after suffering serious injuries from a fall at Split Rock Falls on Saturday afternoon.
At approximately 3:00 p.m., Essex County 911 requested the assistance of New York State Forest Rangers after the hiker fell into the first pool of the popular natural site. The individual sustained head and back injuries as a result of the fall.

Go Explore NY
Aug 7, 20251 min read


Wilderness Rescue: Forest Rangers Airlift Teen Camper from Nippletop Mountain Trail
A 14-year-old camper from Camp Chingachgook was rescued after losing consciousness during a hike near the Elk Pass area of Nippletop Mountain, prompting a rapid response from New York State Forest Rangers and State Police.

Go Explore NY
Aug 7, 20251 min read


Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Central & Western NY Regions
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH)...

Go Explore NY
Aug 7, 20253 min read


🔥 Lightning Sparks Wildfire in Essex County: Firefighters & Rangers Battle Overnight Blaze in Chesterfield
A dramatic wildfire believed to be caused by a lightning strike broke out in the Town of Chesterfield on July 12, prompting a major emergency response across Essex County.

Go Explore NY
Jul 17, 20251 min read


🏰 Boldt Castle: The Thousand Islands' Fairytale Fortress You Have to See to Believe
Tucked away on Heart Island in the middle of the mighty St. Lawrence River, Boldt Castle is more than just stone and spires — it’s a living love story, a must-see New York landmark, and hands-down one of the most magical destinations in the Thousand Islands region.
If you're looking for a day trip that feels like a fairytale, this is it.

Go Explore NY
Jul 14, 20252 min read


🌊 Explore Like a Local: Top 4 Must-See Spots in Alexandria Bay, NY
Tucked into the Thousand Islands region, Alexandria Bay is a charming waterfront village that offers more than just great views — it’s a gateway to adventure, history, and one-of-a-kind Upstate NY vibes. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just passing through, here are five unforgettable places you must check out in Alexandria Bay:

Go Explore NY
Jul 14, 20252 min read


Alexandria Bay: Top 5 Restaurants You NEED to Try!
Nestled in the heart of the Thousand Islands region, Alexandria Bay isn’t just about scenic views and boat tours — it’s also home to some truly incredible restaurants. Whether you’re cruising the St. Lawrence River or enjoying a weekend getaway, these top 5 must-try eateries will satisfy every craving. From local seafood to wood-fired pizza, here's where to dine like a local in A-Bay:

Go Explore NY
Jul 14, 20252 min read


DEC Releases Draft Plan to Protect Fragile Catskill High Peaks Ecosystem
Virtual Public Meeting Scheduled for August 6; Comments Accepted Through September 15 ALBANY, NY — The New York State Department of...

Go Explore NY
Jul 10, 20252 min read


DEC Proposes Delisting Majority of Lawrence Aviation Superfund Site After Major Cleanup Milestone
PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a pivotal cleanup milestone at...

Go Explore NY
Jul 7, 20252 min read


Three Cited for Illegal Clamming in Centerport Harbor, Suffolk County
Three individuals are facing environmental violations after being caught illegally harvesting clams and other marine life from closed waters in Suffolk County.
On June 24, 2025, Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) Day and Franz responded to a complaint about suspicious nighttime activity in Centerport Harbor, located in the town of Huntington. Witnesses reported seeing people with headlamps digging in the area, which is closed to shellfishing.

Go Explore NY
Jul 7, 20251 min read


Peregrine Falcon Rescued and Released in Westchester County
Although the bird showed no visible injuries, ECO Franz transported the raptor to a local wildlife rehabilitator as a precaution. The falcon, initially lethargic, responded well to care and made a swift recovery. After a brief stay, it was successfully released back into its natural habitat.

Go Explore NY
Jul 7, 20251 min read


Injured Hiker Airlifted After Wilderness Rescue in Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest
MIDDLETOWN, NY — A hiker was airlifted to Albany Medical Center following a lengthy rescue operation in the Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest...

Go Explore NY
Jul 7, 20251 min read


Honoring Assistant Forest Ranger Jackson
Forest Ranger Brendan Jackson passed away while camping. Since joining DEC in 2008, Brendan served as a remarkable steward of natural resources focused on educating and assisting New Yorkers seeking to connect with nature, particularly in the remote Adirondack wilderness. With his most recent service as Assistant Forest Ranger in the High Peaks, Brendan put the public’s safety above his own when responding to rescues, suppressing fires, patrolling trails, and helping maintain

Go Explore NY
Jul 7, 20251 min read


🏕️ Top 5 Campsites to Visit in Upstate New York (That You’ll Never Want to Leave)
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking to escape the city for a weekend, Upstate New York offers some of the best camping...

Go Explore NY
Jun 24, 20252 min read


Deadly EF-1 Tornado Hits Oneida County NY
According to the NWS Public Information Statement, the tornado formed as part of a severe line of thunderstorms and quickly intensified as it moved southwest. Several trees were snapped or uprooted along its path, damaging multiple houses and even destroying a historic grist mill along Oriskany Creek. The tornado dissipated around 4:03 AM after moving south along Kirkland Avenue.

Go Explore NY
Jun 24, 20251 min read


'CleanSweepNY' Program Collects Record-Breaking Amount of Chemicals in the Hudson Valley NY
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the record-breaking results of...

Go Explore NY
Jun 18, 20252 min read


NY Plants the Seeds of the Future: DEC and Volunteers Create First-Ever Mini Forest at Five Rivers
The Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, now home to DEC’s first-ever mini forest, also known as a pocket forest or Miyawaki forest.
This hands-on, community-driven effort is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious 25 Million Trees Initiative, a statewide campaign to enhance green spaces, improve public health, and address the climate crisis.

Go Explore NY
Jun 10, 20252 min read

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