From complex rope rescues to backcountry medical calls and wildfire response, New York’s Forest Rangers had a packed week across the state.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released its latest Forest Rangers – Week in Review report, detailing dozens of incidents handled between Sept. 24 and Sept. 28, including several wilderness rescues, a wildfire, and public outreach events.
Training in the mountains
In Warren and Washington Counties, 22 Rangers participated in advanced rope rescue training at Buck Mountain and West Brook. Led by Ranger Donegan, the technician-level course covered high-angle rigging techniques used in dangerous terrain.
Serious rescues in the High Peaks
- Mount Marcy (Essex County): On Sept. 24, Rangers reached a lost 65-year-old hiker near the summit just before 3 a.m. The man was exhausted and dehydrated, and Rangers escorted him safely to Marcy Dam and eventually to the trailhead.
- Devil’s Path (Greene County): A hiker with an unstable ankle injury was hoisted by State Police helicopter after injuring themselves in rugged terrain. The rescue involved six Rangers and a Greene County paramedic.
Search efforts and medical calls
- Snowy Mountain (Hamilton County): A 61-year-old hiker with a dislocated shoulder was assisted off the trail by Rangers and EMS.
- Beck-Horn Mountain (Essex County): Rangers helped an 18-year-old hiker who was vomiting and dehydrated. Both hikers were well-prepared but needed medical aid and assistance hiking out.
- Ampersand Mountain (Franklin County): A hiker suffering shortness of breath was stabilized and brought safely out with help from medics.
- Crane Mountain (Warren County): A lost hiker was located using cell phone data and escorted to safety.
Non-wilderness emergency
In Genesee County’s Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, a Forest Ranger discovered an unresponsive person in a vehicle on Sept. 26. The subject had drug paraphernalia nearby. The Ranger administered Narcan, reviving the individual before EMS took over.
Wildfire response
Ranger Praczkajlo put out a deep ground fire near Follensby Clear Pond in Franklin County, which had spread 5 feet wide and burned 3 feet into the ground. DEC is urging extra caution with outdoor burning due to warm, dry conditions.
Youth outreach and recruitment
In Syracuse, Ranger Chappell spoke with students from SUNY ESF and Syracuse University during the Empire State of Work event, highlighting what it takes to become a Forest Ranger.
To date in 2025, DEC Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires, and helped manage 56 prescribed burns across more than 1,500 acres of state land.
For tips on hiking safety, or to learn how to become a Forest Ranger, visit dec.ny.gov.
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