From high peaks to schoolyards, New York’s Forest Rangers handled emergencies and engaged communities in a week that stretched their skills and showcased their impact.
Between June 8 and 14, Forest Rangers with the Department of Environmental Conservation responded to several wilderness rescues, enforced environmental laws, and participated in public outreach events across the state.
On June 9 in Dutchess County, Ranger Russo discovered two illegal campers near a creek in the Wassaic Multiple Use Area. One camper had two active bench warrants, a revoked license, and was allegedly violating an order of protection. After contacting Ray Brook Dispatch, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office took the suspect into custody. The other camper moved to a legal site and received a ticket.
A day later, in St. Lawrence County, an overdue hiker was found shivering and dehydrated along the Dead Creek Trail. Rangers warmed the 41-year-old with a campfire and fluids before evacuating them by boat and car to a hospital.
On June 12, two wilderness rescues tested Rangers’ endurance. In Essex County, a hiker vomiting from dehydration near Mount Haystack continued on a demanding route over Mount Marcy. Rangers met the hiker on the trail and provided electrolytes and food. Hours later in Warren County, a 34-year-old with a leg injury on Prospect Mountain was stabilized and carried out with a wheeled litter.
In Johnsburg on June 13, Rangers searched for a lost hiker and dog on Crane Mountain. Tracks and a barking dog led Ranger Caswell to the stranded pair, stuck on a mid-slope ledge. They were safely guided down the steep terrain.
Overnight into June 14, Rangers located a mother and son from LeRoy who were overdue from a hike on Nippletop Mountain. They were found walking the access road in Keene at 2:45 a.m.
Later that day, a 58-year-old from New Rochelle needed help on the Escarpment Trail in Greene County. Rangers and fire department members carried the patient out after assessing abdominal pain and coordinating rescue logistics.
Beyond rescues, Rangers were active in education and outreach. On June 8, children in West Hurley learned fire safety from Ranger Franceschina and Smokey Bear at a Touch-A-Truck event. In Kerhonkson, Ranger Sweeney joined second graders releasing trout they had raised in class.
On June 14, Rangers celebrated Get Outdoors & Get Together Day across the state. In Warren County, Lt. Arnold teamed with Smokey Bear at Scaroon Manor. In Dutchess County, Ranger Russo and ECO Wamsley helped youth fish and discussed DEC careers. On Staten Island, Ranger Scott spoke about fire safety despite rainy weather.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton praised the Rangers’ dedication. “Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire burning out of control, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” she said.
In 2024, Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires across 6,500 acres, and participated in 60 prescribed fires rejuvenating over 1,155 acres of land. Their work also led to more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].