LOCALadk Magazine

Ready to Ser ve A Message from the New York Sate DEC Many people who recreate in the Adirondack backcountry are bliss- fully unaware of the safety net provided them by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers. The majority of those who recreate on the lands and waters of the Adirondacks will never need the services of the DEC Forest Rangers. However, the relative few that find themselves subjects of the 160 or so annual search and rescue incidents are fortunate to have these dedicated, and compassionate professionals available to find, treat, evacuate, and return them to safety. Forest Rangers train often to prepare for any and all situations they may encounter. Whether being hoisted by a helicopter – sometimes with a litter containing an injured person; setting up a high angle rope system to rescue a rock or ice climber; handling kayaks and rafts to pull a stranded rafter off a rock in the swift waters of a river; coordi- nating a search through thick brush in rugged terrain to locate a lost camper; or providing first aid to an injured or stricken hiker on the side of mountain. Whatever the situation, Forest Rangers are ready to do what it takes to assist backcountry users in trouble. The Forest Rangers cannot accomplish this by themselves. They train and work with the State Police Aviation Unit, Backcountry Rescue and local volunteer emergency medical services, and volunteer search and rescue organizations. Training often with these groups ensures they can work together seamlessly during actual incidents. Forest Rangers also work hard to educate backcountry users on how to plan, prepare and act while recreating. The next time a Forest Ranger stops you at the trailhead or on the trail, please listen to them and follow their advice. It may be the difference between an enjoy- able backcountry experience and becoming the subject of a search or rescue incident. Rest assured, if you do become lost, injured or stricken in the Adiron- dack backcountry, the best team of search and rescue professionals you could ask for is ready to assist you – the men and women of the DEC Forest Rangers. Just call the DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook at 518 - 891 - 0235 whenever there is an emergency. Have fun exploring them! We've worked hard to protect these places. Silver Lake Bog, Moss L ake, Santanon i Pr eserv e … and man y m o r e ! Spring Pond Bog, Val c o u r Island, Dunh am Ba y M a rs h, E ve rt o n Fa ll s , OK Slip Falls, India n R i ver, Essex Chain La ke s, Lake Lil a, Blue Ledge, Hudso n R i ver, Lyon M o u nt ain, Coon Mou nta i n , 518.576.2082 adirondacks@tnc.org Adirondack Chapter, Keene Valley, NY nature.org/adirondacks LOCALadk Spring 2015 LOCALadk Magazine 3

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