The 24th Basic School for New York State Forest Rangers recently graduated a class of nine. I want to congratulate new Ranger Nicole Kocher from here in Sullivan County on joining their ranks.

Forest Rangers are part of the Division of Forest Protection and their mission is to provide public safety and state land protection. They protect more than 5 million acres of public land in New York State as well as the people that use that land. 

The rangers conduct search and rescue missions on wild lands (including water rescues) and help fight forest fires. They educate the public on how to avoid dangerous and life threatening situations in the outdoors. 

They also educate us on how to wisely use and protect our natural resources. Forest Rangers are considered to be New York State Police Officers with full powers to enforce state laws.

With the new graduates, there are approximately 156 Forest Rangers for the entire state of New York. Most are stationed in the Catskill and Adirondack Parks. 

There are just over 300 EnCon Police officers in the state. Combined, that’s a very “thin green line,” if you’ll permit me to coin the phrase. These folks do an amazing job with very limited resources and they deserve our admiration, respect and cooperation at all times.

Let’s take a look at a few statistics from 2023. Forest Rangers fought 146 different wildfires on about 1,400 acres of land. They performed 370 search and rescue missions. They rejuvenated over 1,000 acres of land with prescribed fires (controlled burning).

The New York State Forest Rangers have been around a long time. Originally, they were called Fire Wardens and were first authorized by a law signed by Governor David B. Hill in 1885 that created them as a part of the Forest Commission, which later became the Department of Environmental Conservation. By the way, that same 1885 law established our State Forest Preserve. 

In 1891, Colonel William F. Fox, who was the first Superintendent of Forests, changed the name from Fire Warden to simply Ranger. The official title of Forest Ranger was created in 1912.

NY State Forest Rangers are also called upon to assist with fighting forest fires and helping with other natural disasters in other states. They can even be dispatched across the border to help with natural disasters and fires in neighboring Canada when needed.

Please join me in congratulating our new Forest Ranger Nicole Kocher and enjoy the outdoors!

John S. Van etten is the current president of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, Inc.