Forest rangers across New York responded to multiple rescues and safety calls this month, including rollover crashes, wilderness emergencies, and backcountry training exercises.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released its weekly report Jan. 21, highlighting recent incidents handled by DEC Forest Rangers in several counties.
In Steuben County, a ranger responded to a vehicle over an embankment in the Town of Thurston on Jan. 11. An SUV slid off South Hill Road, trapping two adults and a child. Rangers and local fire departments removed the child first and then safely extracted the adults after stabilizing the vehicle. Crews later used heavy equipment to pull the SUV back up the icy slope.
In Sullivan County, forest rangers spent two days training local firefighters who assist with search and rescue missions. The sessions included classroom instruction and field exercises designed to improve coordination during real emergencies.
Several wilderness rescues unfolded in the Adirondacks and Catskills. On Jan. 15, rangers assisted an injured 20-year-old skier on Mount Marcy after his mother reported he could not hike back to his vehicle. Rangers located him overnight, provided care, and helped him walk out the next morning.
In Ulster County, a late-night hike in the Town of Denning turned dangerous when a hiker fell into the Neversink River and developed hypothermia. Rangers found the hiker early Jan. 16, provided dry clothing, heat, and fluids, and escorted them safely to the trailhead.
Another rescue took place Jan. 18 in the Town of North Hudson, where rangers helped an exhausted hiker from the Dix Range back to a vehicle after a group reported a medical issue.
DEC officials continue to urge hikers to plan carefully, start early, and prepare for winter conditions. Forest rangers remind the public that emergencies on state land should be reported to 833-NYS-RANGERS or 911.
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].