Forest Rangers across New York carried out multiple rescues, searches, and patrols in recent weeks, including a large overnight search in the Adirondacks.
Rangers also responded to snowmobile incidents, helped stranded recreationists, and participated in training and public outreach events across the state.
One of the largest responses happened Feb. 25 in the town of North Hudson, where rangers searched overnight for an overdue hiker in the Dix Range.
The 58-year-old from Mechanicville had started a two-day hike the previous day. The hiker’s last contact came at 7:15 a.m., about six miles from the planned endpoint, reporting they were tired and moving slowly.
Seven rangers searched through the night after locating the hiker’s vehicle at the Elk Lake trailhead. The next day, more than 20 rangers joined the search and New York State Police Aviation conducted aerial operations.
At 2:55 p.m. Feb. 26, a ranger search crew found the hiker off the Lillian Brook trail. The person showed signs of mild hypothermia and frostbite.
Ranger R. Praczkajlo hoisted the hiker into a helicopter at 4:20 p.m., and State Police Pilot Engel flew them to Lake Placid Airport to meet emergency medical crews.
Forest Rangers also responded to a search for a missing hiker in the town of Schroon on Feb. 24.
Nine rangers and New York State Police searched for a 51-year-old from Florida who had failed to check out of lodging and was last seen Feb. 19 after mentioning plans to snowshoe on Crane Mountain.
Rangers located the hiker deceased at the Oxshoe Pond lean-to at 7:32 p.m. The person was transported to the Essex County Coroner at the Crane Pond Road trailhead. Authorities determined the manner of death was suicide.
In Hamilton County, rangers assisted a stranded snowmobiler early Feb. 26 on Raquette Lake.
A 47-year-old from Brooklyn was ice fishing when the snowmobile failed. Forest Ranger Scott found the person on the shoreline around 6:14 a.m. and helped them return to their vehicle.
The following day, rangers responded to a snowmobile accident on Forked Lake in the town of Long Lake.
Other riders had already pulled a 60-year-old from Hammondsport out of the water after the snowmobile went through the ice. Rangers helped warm the rider in a ranger truck before emergency medical crews evaluated them. The rider declined further medical care.
Rangers also conducted training and outreach during the week.
In Albany on Feb. 19 and 20, 17 ranger crew chiefs participated in helicopter water-egress training hosted by New York State Police aviation and the State Police Underwater Recovery Team. The training prepares rangers to escape safely if a helicopter crashes into water.
In Hudson on Feb. 17, Forest Ranger Jackson helped 81 Scouts earn their fire merit badge at the Firefighters Association of the State of New York museum. The program included lessons on wildfire impacts and safe campfire practices.
Forest Ranger Lt. Booth also joined the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office for a 70-mile snowmobile patrol Feb. 28 near Lyon Mountain.
In 2025, Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions across New York and responded to 202 wildfires that burned about 840 acres.
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