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.          

During the first nine months of 2026, Forest Rangers conducted 277 search and rescue missions, extinguished 93 wildfires covering more than 224 acres, and participated in 54 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,355 acres of land. In 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in 10 different states.

“Our Forest Rangers are elite law enforcement leaders who put their lives on the line when they respond to a search and rescue, wildland fire, or State land violation,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We’re fortunate to have them patrolling State lands and keeping people safe. Their expertise and professionalism are valuable assets, not only in New York, but around the country wherever emergencies arise.” 

City of Johnstown

Fulton County

Wilderness Rescue: On October 30 at 1 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for Forest Ranger assistance with an individual having a stroke on the Willie Wildlife Marsh Trail in Peck Hill State Forest. Caroga Lake and Meco Fire Departments were already on scene performing CPR. Ranger O’Connell and firefighters carried the subject to an awaiting ambulance. A LifeFlight helicopter flew the 72-year-old from Alabama to the hospital.

Town of Bleecker

Fulton County

Wilderness Search: On October 31 at 8:55 p.m., Fulton County requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a missing hunter. The 90-year-old’s ATV was located within Shaker Mountain Wild Forest. Rangers joined New York State Police and Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputies searching overnight. Rangers utilized a heat-sensing drone with negative results. At 10:15 a.m., the hunter walked out to a private residence in good health and declined medical attention.

Towns of Belfast, Deer Park, Mamakating, McDonough, Nelson, North Collins, and Russia

Allegany, Chenango, Erie, Herkimer, Madison, Orange, and Sullivan Counties

Wildland Fires: From October 29 to November 1, Forest Rangers responded to seven wildland fires totaling 11.5 acres. Three of the fires were caused by debris burning. It has been an especially dry week to two weeks. DEC’s fire danger map is available on DEC’s website. During dry and windy weather, Rangers suggest using extreme care when lighting campfires.

Mamakating fire

https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/11/dec-forest-rangers-week-in-review