The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 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 the first half of 2025, rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land statewide. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land and worked on 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. Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire, rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a press release. “Every day and in all conditions, forest rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and state lands, serving as role models for the next generation of environmental stewards. DEC encourages interested New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger.”
Town of Schroon, Wilderness Rescue
On Dec. 24 at 11:30 a.m., the North Hudson Fire Department called Forest Ranger Logan Quinn to assist with an injured hiker on Crane Pond trail.
The 70-year-old, of Fort Edward, suffered an ankle injury after a fall and activated the SOS feature on a satellite device. Quinn responded with New York State Police, Schroon Lake Fire Department, North Hudson Fire Department and Ticonderoga Emergency Medical Services.
Rescuers stabilized the injury and used Schroon Lake Fire Department’s tracked utility terrain vehicle to transport the patient to a Ticonderoga ambulance.
Resources were clear at 1 p.m.