Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Town of Bellmont
Franklin County
Wilderness Recovery: On Nov. 11 at 12:50 p.m., Forest Rangers Adams and Odell located an ATV on Titusville State Forest that was connected to a missing vulnerable adult case investigated by New York State Police (NYSP) in Malone. Over the next two days, 15 Rangers and 10 volunteers with Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks supported the NYSP-led search effort, which included deployment of helicopters and drones in a 12-linear-mile search area. On Nov. 12, NYSP Pilot Kotronis and Ranger Lewis spotted a used fire ring along a streambed. On Nov. 13, Rangers Foutch and Milano paddled the Hatch Brook, saw the fire ring, and at 10:50 a.m., located the 59-year-old subject deceased. Rangers transported the subject to the road via canoe and turned him over to the coroner. Resources were clear at 5 p.m.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 11 at 5:37 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker who advised his 14-year-old brother was complaining of chest pain at the Indian Falls lookout area. Forest Ranger Duchene hiked up the trail from the Marcy Dam outpost. Ranger Foutch hiked in from Adirondak Loj. When Ranger Duchene reached the hikers from New Jersey, the teenager’s chest pain had subsided. Ranger Duchene helped them to their car where they refused further medical attention. Resources were clear at 9:50 p.m.

Town of Long Lake
Hamilton County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m., Hamilton County 911 transferred a call to Ray Brook Dispatch from a lost hunter who may have been experiencing a diabetic episode. Prior to Forest Ranger arrival, the 57-year-old’s family located him and provided coordinates. Rangers Corey and Milano reached the subject, conducted a patient assessment, and escorted him out of the woods to a waiting Long Lake Rescue squad. Resources were clear at 9 p.m.

Town of Fulton
Schoharie County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 12 at 3:35 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance in the rescue of a hiker experiencing a panic attack at the summit of Vroman’s Nose. Rangers France and Laymon responded to the trailhead and hiked up to the summit. At 4:40 p.m., Rangers reached the hiking party. The 25-year-old hiker from Brooklyn was cold but feeling better. Rangers warmed the hiker and assisted the group back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 5:28 p.m.

Vroman’s Nose rescue. NYS DEC photo.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed.