New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from the backcountry.
In 2018, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 346 search and rescue missions, extinguished 105 wildfires that burned a total of 845 acres, participated in 24 prescribed fires that burned and rejuvenated 610 acres, and worked on cases that resulted in 2,354 tickets or arrests.
"Across New York, DEC Forest Rangers are on the front lines helping people safely enjoy the great outdoors," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Their knowledge of first aid, land navigation, and technical rescue techniques are critical to the success of their missions, which take them from remote wilderness areas with rugged mountainous peaks, to white-water rivers, and throughout our vast forested areas statewide."
Wyoming County
Town of Genesee Falls
Swift Water Rescue Training: On Sept. 12, Region 8 and 9 Forest Rangers trained in techniques to rescue subjects trapped or injured in swift water environments. This training will be utilized when subjects are trapped as a result of recreational paddling or on large-scale flooding events that can occur throughout the state. The instructors have acquired skills from New York State Fire Training, as well as the American Canoe Association. Following shoreline instructions, Forest Rangers and four members of the State Park Police Swift Water Rescue Team Niagara Falls paddled down the Genesee River and conducted several rescue scenarios for trapped boats and people.
Town of Genesee Falls
Swift Water Rescue Training: On Sept. 12, Region 8 and 9 Forest Rangers trained in techniques to rescue subjects trapped or injured in swift water environments. This training will be utilized when subjects are trapped as a result of recreational paddling or on large-scale flooding events that can occur throughout the state. The instructors have acquired skills from New York State Fire Training, as well as the American Canoe Association. Following shoreline instructions, Forest Rangers and four members of the State Park Police Swift Water Rescue Team Niagara Falls paddled down the Genesee River and conducted several rescue scenarios for trapped boats and people.
Forest Rangers from Western New York
training for swift water rescues
