Two search and rescue missions were carried out in Herkimer and Hamilton counties recently by New York State Department of Environ-mental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, including one involving a lost hiker at Nicks Lake Campground in the Town of Webb.
On June 7 at 9:51 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch learned that the lost hiker had called Herkimer County 911 for help.
One DEC Forest Ranger responded and located the 48-year-old woman from Monument County at 11:35 p.m. along Nicks Creek.
The Forest Ranger escorted her back to her vehicle at the campground beach parking area.
The Town of Webb Rescue Squad evaluated the woman and released her at 12:45 a.m.
The Hamilton County incident happened in the West Canada Lakes Wilderness in the Town of Indian Lake.
A hiker was reported to be in distress on June 1 at 12:58 p.m.
DEC Ray Brook Dispatch had received the call from New York State Police Central Dispatch.
A 15-year-old boy from Canastota was said to be in medical distress at the top of Snowy Mountain.
DEC Forest Rangers responded and located the teen approximately one mile up the trail, hiking out under his own power.
He called 911 after becoming separated from his brother.
A short time later, he located his brother and they both hiked out without further incident. No further action was taken.
The incident concluded at 4 p.m.
DEC Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide.
Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the backcountry.
“DEC Forest Rangers’ knowledge of first aid, land navigation and technical rescue techniques are often critical to the success of their missions,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens.
“Search and rescue missions often require Rangers to function in remote wilderness areas from rugged mountainous peaks to white-water rivers, and through vast forest areas from spruce-fir thicket to open hardwoods,” he said.
