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 across New York State.
In 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.
“DEC Forest Rangers are among the nation’s most versatile first responders, utilizing their expert training and wide-ranging knowledge to protect natural resources while encouraging responsible stewardship among those who visit State lands and sites,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Their expertise in wildland fire suppression, technical rescue techniques, and law enforcement mean that Rangers are always prepared to successfully execute critical missions, here in New York State, as well as across the continent.”
Town of Ward
Allegany County
Public Outreach: On Jan. 1, IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc., organized a First Day Hike in Phillips Creek State Forest. IMPACT provides volunteer maintenance and helps secures grant funding for trails in Allegany County, especially on DEC State Forest lands. The 80 participants chose different hiking distances and Forest Ranger Thaine helped lead the group who picked the long-distance hike. For more information visit the IMPACT website.
