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Forest Rangers

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New York's rich and diverse forests, wildlands and wildernesses are protected by the Division of Forest Protection's Forest Rangers. As police officers, wildland firefighters and wilderness first responders, rangers are prepared to protect the state's forests and the people who use these great natural resources from all kinds of dangers. Each day and regardless of weather, forest rangers patrol 4.3 million acres of Department-administered public lands and easements by vehicle, boat, ATV, snowmobile, aircraft, bicycle, foot, skis or snowshoes. Each ranger is required to reside within the ranger district in which she/he is assigned but emergencies and special events will require them to work anywhere and at anytime. Quite often, rangers are asked to assist other agencies with complex emergency or law enforcement incidents that have occurred in or near a forested area. Since New York is has 18.6 million acres of forested lands, rangers are busy year-round accomplishing their unique mission.

The New York State Forest Ranger force is composed of 134 forest rangers, lieutenants, captains and directors stationed at locations across the state, with the greatest numbers located in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. The reports and rosters linked from this page provide more information about New York's rangers, including contact information.

If you have an emergency where a forest ranger is needed, call 911 and ask for DEC Forest Ranger assistance or call the Department's Public Protection Dispatch at 518-891-0235.

More about Forest Rangers: