DEC Forest Rangers Report Statewide Actions

March 26, 2026

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 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.”

Town of Brookhaven
Suffolk County
Law Enforcement: On March 12, Forest Ranger Hicks observed a vehicle leaving the scene of someone dumping a deer carcass at a Rocky Point State Forest parking lot. After investigating the scene, Ranger Hicks observed the same vehicle on a nearby road adjacent to the State Forest. The driver was disposing of the hitch carrier used to transport the deer carcass. The subject was interviewed and admitted to being paid by someone to dispose of the deer carcass. They admitted dumping the hitch carrier to evade law enforcement detection. Ranger Hicks charged the subject with two counts of illegally depositing waste on State Lands.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 16 at 5:57 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch contacted Forest Ranger Bowler about two injured hikers who fell on Giant Mountain. One hiker suffered a wrist injury, and the other had facial injuries. Ranger Bowler reached the pair and assisted them to the trailhead where they were met by Keene Valley Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services. Resources were clear at 8:20 p.m.

Town of Windham
Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 20 at 5:40 p.m., Forest Ranger Fox responded to a call for four hikers lost on Blackhead Mountain. One member of the group reported feeling woozy. All four hikers from New Jersey were cold and wet and required rescue. At 6:45 p.m., members of Hensonville Hose Company located the group and their dog and assisted them down the Escarpment Trail. At 8 p.m., Rangers Commerford and Fox met the group and provided dry clothing, headlamps, food, and water. They reached Big Hollow Trailhead at 10:30 p.m. and declined further care from Windham Ambulance. ****

Blackhead Mountain rescue

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “ Hike Smart NY,” “ Adirondack Backcountry,” 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.

Contact for this Page Jeff Wernick
Press Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

Phone: 518-402-8000 PressOffice@dec.ny.gov This Page Covers New York State