Forest Rangers handled four rescues and a campground eviction across Essex and Franklin counties between August 10 and 15.
New York State Forest Rangers handled five incidents in Essex and Franklin counties between August 10 and 15, according to DEC's weekly summary — four rescues and one campground eviction.
A 50-year-old hiker from Rochester slipped on a wet rock near the summit of Mount Marcy and heard a crack in their ankle. The Marcy Summit Steward called Ray Brook Dispatch at 2:30 p.m.
A passing hiker who happened to be a podiatrist splinted the ankle. State Police Pilot Engel flew in, Forest Ranger Ezumah harnessed the hiker, and Ranger Martin hoisted them into the helicopter for transport to the hospital. Ranger Ezumah hiked out with the rest of the hiking party. Clear at 4:11 p.m.
A hiker on the summit of Algonquin came across another hiker calling for help and phoned Ray Brook Dispatch at 4:45 p.m. Rangers Foutch and Morehouse responded from Marcy Dam and reached the subject at 7:10 p.m.
The hiker had become separated from their group and was getting dehydrated. Rangers gave them food and water and walked them to Lake Colden to rejoin their camping party.
Essex County requested Ranger assistance at 1:45 p.m. for a mountain biker with a large gash on their leg. Ranger DuChene reached the 21-year-old from Ithaca and gave them an ATV ride out to the road. The biker said they'd seek medical attention on their own. Clear at 2:40 p.m.
A Forest Ranger and State Police responded at 2:20 p.m. to an altercation between two campsites over generator noise. The Ranger determined one group was violating campground regulations and evicted them.
Ray Brook Dispatch got a call at 5:45 p.m. about a hiker experiencing cramps. Rangers Foutch and Morehouse — the same pair who handled the Algonquin call the day before — responded from Marcy Dam and reached the hiker at 7:25 p.m. After food and water, the hiker could walk again, and Rangers assisted them back to their campsite near Phelps Junction.
Two of these five calls came down to hikers running out of food and water. A third involved a hiker in the dark without a light source, elsewhere in the state — Rangers used that one to make a point that applies here too: bring a headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries even if you're not planning to hike at night. It's one of the Ten Hiking Essentials.
Statewide, Rangers conducted 126 search and rescue missions in the first six months of 2026, and 362 in all of 2025.
If you need a Forest Ranger — for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands — call 833-NYS-RANGERS. For urgent emergencies, call 911.