The most recent New York State Forest Rangers Report includes efforts to rescue more than a half dozen hikers lost or with knee or lower leg injuries in the Adirondacks and Catskills.
Town of Harrietstown, Franklin County
Wilderness Search: On August 25 at 5 p.m., Franklin County requested Forest Ranger assistance to find a hiker lost on Ampersand Mountain. Coordinates placed the 53-year-old from Black River approximately 50 feet off trail.
While talking to Ray Brook Dispatch and Captain Booth, the hiker walked further off trail. At 6:45 p.m., Ranger Bowler located the subject and assisted them to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 8:25 p.m.
Town of North Elba, Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On August 25 at 9:03 p.m., Essex County 911 received a call from a hiker who was lost off the Van Hoevenberg Trail near Marcy Dam. Ray Brook Dispatch contacted Forest Rangers DuChene and Foutch.
Rangers located the 29-year-old from Tonawanda next to Marcy Brook downstream of the old dam. Ranger Foutch provided a courtesy ride to their vehicle. The incident was clear at 11:06 p.m.
The hiker was prepared with a flashlight, map, and compass, but did not know how to use the map and compass. Rangers suggest learning how to use navigation tools before your hike.
Town of Shandaken, Ulster County
Wilderness Rescue: On August 27 at 6:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker lost on Friday Mountain. Forest Rangers Commerford and Martin located the 56-year-old from Port Crane in a drainage.
Rangers hiked the subject to the Moon Haw Road trailhead. The incident was clear at 9:15 p.m.
Raquette Lake, Hamilton County
Rescue: On August 28 at 12:50 p.m., Hamilton County 911 received a call about a despondent subject at Golden Beach Campground.
The caller said the subject threatened suicide and was at the lifeguard cabin near the beach. At 1:11 p.m., Forest Rangers, New York State Police, and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputies found the subject. Raquette Lake EMS transported the subject to the hospital.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health assistance, help is available. The New York State Office of Mental Health has resources on its website or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Town of Wilmington, Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On August 28 at 2:15 p.m., Forest Ranger Lieutenant Praczkajlo and Rangers Bowler, Foutch, Odell, Sabo, and Shea responded to a call for a hiker with a lower leg injury on the Copperas Pond Trail in the Sentinel Range Wilderness.
Rangers splinted the injury and used a wheeled litter to carry the 41-year-old to the trailhead. Family members transported the patient to the hospital. The incident was clear at 7:07 p.m. A video showing the rugged terrain during the carryout is available. (Video, 12M)
Village of Waverly, Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On August 28 at 3:13 p.m., Forest Ranger Bowler was diverted from the Sentinel Range Wilderness rescue to rescue a hiker with a lower leg injury near the summit of Azure Mountain.
St. Regis Falls EMS and Dickinson Fire Department also responded. Rescuers treated the lower leg injury and carried the 42-year-old Sherrill resident to an ambulance at the trailhead. The incident was clear at 5:02 p.m.
Town of North Elba, Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On August 29 at 5:48 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about hikers in need of assistance on the Algonquin Trail. At 6:45 p.m., Forest Ranger Foutch located the pair of hikers.
One hiker had a knee injury but was able to walk with assistance. Ranger Foutch assisted them back to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 7:06 p.m.
Town of Greig, Lewis County
Law Enforcement: On August 29 at 9:50 p.m., while patrolling Otter Creek Access Road, Forest Rangers observed an unregistered UTV.
During the stop, Rangers noticed a strong smell of alcohol and the rider failed a field sobriety test. Rangers transported the subject to the Lewis County Public Safety building for processing.
Town of Inlet, Hamilton County
Wilderness Rescue: On August 30 at 12:57 p.m., Forest Rangers Evans and Stone responded to a call for a hiker with abdominal pain on the Rocky Mountain Trail in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest.
Rangers worked with Eagle Bay and Old Forge Fire Departments to set up a rope rescue. Rescuers carried the 35-year-old Rochester resident to the trailhead. The hiker declined further medical attention.
The pain was from a prior condition, not an injury suffered on the mountain. The incident was clear at 2:47 p.m.
Read other recent backcountry search and rescue operations.
Photo of Sentinel Range Wilderness rescue provided by DEC.
Leave a Reply