From ice rescues on Lake Champlain to public outreach in elementary schools, DEC Forest Rangers stayed busy across New York in recent weeks.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released its weekly report Wednesday, highlighting search and rescue missions, community events, and a deadly incident during a Catskills rescue effort.
Rangers’ work statewide
DEC Forest Rangers respond to emergencies across state-owned and managed lands. In the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions and extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres.
In 2024, Rangers handled 362 search and rescue missions, put out 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, and worked cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.
“DEC’s Forest Rangers bravely protect State-owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said.
Local outreach events
In Ontario County, Forest Ranger Dormer visited Naples Elementary School on Dec. 4 to speak with third graders. Dormer talked about the Ranger’s role and showed students tools used in wildfire response and rescues.
In Steuben County, Forest Rangers joined other law enforcement agencies on Dec. 10 for a “Shop with a Cop” event. Officers helped children from domestic violence shelters shop for gifts for themselves and their families. Santa Claus also attended.
Ice rescue on Lake Champlain
Forest Rangers assisted with an ice rescue on Lake Champlain in the Town of Crown Point on Dec. 10.
A 33-year-old from Montreal was living on a moored sailboat when ice trapped the vessel more than a mile from shore. Rangers used an airboat to break a path through the ice, rescued the individual, and transported them safely to shore.
Search ends in recovery
In Lawrence County, Rangers assisted State Police on Dec. 11 in the search for a missing 41-year-old from Star Lake.
Search teams later located the subject deceased on SUNY ESF Ranger School property. Rangers turned the individual over to the county coroner, and State Police are handling the investigation.
Fatal medical emergency during rescue
A rescue on Panther Mountain in Ulster County turned tragic on Dec. 13.
Forest Rangers and volunteer firefighters responded to an SOS call from a 20-year-old hiker with a leg injury. During the rescue, Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner Michael Ryan suffered a medical emergency and went into cardiac arrest.
Rangers and firefighters performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator while extracting him from the trail. Ryan later died at Margaretville Hospital.
“I join our DEC Forest Rangers and the entire State of New York in mourning the loss of Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner and Firefighter Michael Ryan,” Lefton said.
Additional rescue on Long Island
In Suffolk County, Forest Ranger Scott responded to a call on Dec. 14 for a mountain biker with a broken ankle at Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve.
Rescuers used a sled and a fire department UTV to transport the biker to an ambulance.
Job opening and safety reminder
DEC is hiring a seasonal radio dispatcher in Ray Brook, Essex County. Applications are due by Dec. 19.
DEC officials also urge the public to plan ahead before entering the backcountry and to call 833-NYS-RANGERS for non-emergency assistance or 911 in emergencies.
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