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2017 Annual Forest Ranger Report

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2017 Annual Forest Ranger Report This page left intentionally blank. A Message from the Commissioner Since 1885, the Department’s Forest Rangers have worked to safeguard New York’s natural resources and the visitors who enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking and an array of other outdoor activities on state lands. Today, DEC Forest Rangers patrol nearly five million acres of state lands and easements in all corners of New York State. From back country patrols to combatting wildfires and undertaking many significant rescues of lost and or injured hikers, our Forest Rangers are on the job 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When called upon, Forest Rangers quickly respond to remote locations and get those in need to safety. In 2017, Forest Rangers continued to provide emergency response to lost and injured persons throughout New York State. Last year Forest Rangers answered the call for help on state and private lands 346 times in responding to back country search and/or rescues. Back country patrols resulted in the enforcement of over 2100 violations of law. Nearly half of these enforcement actions were related to public use regulations on state lands. This past year Forest Rangers responded to the fewest number wildfires in recorded history--a fact attributable to a wetter than average spring and summer as well as a successful fire prevention campaign. That said, wildfire preparedness and suppression remain an important priority for the Division of Forest Protection. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership in promoting the safe and enjoyable use of our public lands, more people than ever are appreciating New York’s great natural assets. With the Governor’s support, we have increased the ranks of Forest Rangers over the past two years--a commitment to the valued role that Forest Rangers undertake on each and every shift and mission. DEC’s Forest Rangers are the true guardians of our public lands and easements, and the professionals you want responding when an emergency calls. I hope that this annual report provides you with an understanding of the complex and demanding responsibilities that our Rangers undertake every day. Basil Seggos Commissioner This page left intentionally blank. Table of Contents Letter from the Director ......................................................................................................................... 1 2017 Annual Report Statewide Highlights ............................................................................................. 4 Division Mission ................................................................................................................................. 4 365-Day by 24-Hour Responsibility ................................................................................................... 4 Law Enforcement on State Lands ..................................................................................................... 4 Search-and-Rescue Responsibility ................................................................................................... 5 Search-and-Rescue Missions ............................................................................................................ 5 Search-and-Rescue Training ............................................................................................................. 6 Wildfire Mitigation .............................................................................................................................. 6 Wildfire Training ................................................................................................................................ 7 Wildfire Prevention ............................................................................................................................ 8 Wildfire Prevention Enforcement ....................................................................................................... 8 National Response to Wildfires ......................................................................................................... 8 Prescribed Fire .................................................................................................................................. 9 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants ...................................................................................................... 9 Support to Other Agencies ................................................................................................................ 9 Licensed Guide Program ................................................................................................................... 9 Comprehensive Annual Report ....................................................................................................... 10 2017 Forest Ranger Division Fact Sheet ............................................................................................ 11 Division Members at Full Staffing .................................................................................................... 11 State Lands & Easements Acres ..................................................................................................... 11 2017 Population (in millions) ........................................................................................................... 11 Wildfire Management Program ........................................................................................................ 11 Search & Rescue Program .............................................................................................................. 11 Protection of State Lands & Resources ........................................................................................... 11 Licensed Guide Program ................................................................................................................. 11 Other ............................................................................................................................................... 11 How Rangers Spent their Time in 2017 ........................................................................................... 11 Region and Zone Narratives ............................................................................................................... 14 Zone 1-2 .......................................................................................................................................... 14 Zone 3A ........................................................................................................................................... 15 Zone 3B ........................................................................................................................................... 16 Zone 4A ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Zone 4B ........................................................................................................................................... 21 Zone 5A ........................................................................................................................................... 23 Zone 5B ........................................................................................................................................... 24 Zone 5C........................................................................................................................................... 26 Zone 5D........................................................................................................................................... 27 Zone 5E ........................................................................................................................................... 28 Zone 5F ........................................................................................................................................... 30 Zone 6A ........................................................................................................................................... 31 Zone 6B ........................................................................................................................................... 32 Zone 6C........................................................................................................................................... 34 Zone 7A ........................................................................................................................................... 36 Zone 8A ........................................................................................................................................... 38 Zone 9A ........................................................................................................................................... 40 Aviation Program ............................................................................................................................. 42 Assistant Forest Ranger Program ................................................................................................... 43 Wildland Fire and Incident Management Team Program ................................................................ 43 National Wildfire Response ............................................................................................................. 43 Incident Management Teams .......................................................................................................... 46 2017 Division of Forest Protection Training Highlights .......................................................................
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