NYSDEC Ray Brook Dispatch in Ulster County requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker with a lower leg injury on the Tanbark trail system.
Photo courtesy of NYSDEC
During a Quest Backpacking trip this spring, eighth-grade students in Chautauqua County actively participated in the program. They learned forestry career advice and citizen science skills from DEC Forester Theresa Draves. The program engaged them in backcountry backpacking, helping them develop confidence in survival while building hands-on outdoor skills.
These eighth-grade students accomplished a remarkable feat during their four-day, three-night hike covering 36 miles in Chautauqua County. They followed the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail and trails on private and state lands, crossing through Boutwell Hill State Forest, Harris Hill State Forest and Canadaway Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Forester Theresa Draves joined the students in Boutwell Hill State Forest to speak about her career path and provide information on education and skills needed to become a DEC forester. She also showed students how to identify spotted lanternfly, an invasive species in New York that poses a significant threat to agriculture and the environment. Students were encouraged to become citizen scientists by taking part in efforts to identify and track this harmful insect.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers are often required to respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, forest rangers are often required to locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York state. In 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land by removing dead vegetation and promoting new growth, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.
Recently, DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Whether they are leading complex search and rescue incidents, suppressing wildfires, enforcing laws on state lands and easements, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, or encouraging responsible recreation, forest rangers stand ready to help when called.”
Local students in the Quest Backpacking Program hike in Boutwell Hill State Forest and learn about forestry careers with DEC Forester Theresa Draves.
Photo courtesy of the NYSDEC
Designated trails in Chautauqua County provide year-round opportunities for hiking. The Boutwell State Forest is home to hiking, snowshoeing, groomed cross-country skiing, mountain biking trails, groomed snowmobile trails, and dedicated horseback riding trails. The 24-mile Westside Overland Trail system allows hiking from the Pennsylvania border to Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Magnificent views atop Chautauqua County hills are to be noticed, especially the panoramic view of Lake Erie from the Luensman Overview Park. Erlandson Overview Park marks the highest accessible elevation point in the county, and on clear days it is possible to spot Chautauqua Lake from above. Hikers can journey the 17 miles of Rails to Trails, plan a visit to the Audubon Community Nature Center or stand in awe of giant 60-foot-tall rock formations at Panama Rocks Scenic Park. With endless miles to explore, hikers can enjoy some of the best hiking trails of NYS in Chautauqua County. Visit https://www.tourchautauqua.com/play/hiking to discover more about local trails.
Learn more about the Quest Backpacking Program and see event photos on their Facebook page, Quest Backpacking at https://www.facebook.com/Questbackpacking2016/about_contact_and_basic_info.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY information webpages for more information.
If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent immediate assistance, call 911, as always. To contact a Region 9 Forest Ranger with a specific local question visit https://dec.ny.gov/about/contact-us/forest-ranger-rosters.
Gotta love the NY outdoors.
Outdoor Calendar:
Aug. 29: NYS Hunter Safety Course, Ripley Rod & Gun, 6PM – 9:30PM, plus one additional half day, 9820 Rod and Gun Club Rd., Ripley. Register online: https://register-ed.com. Must attend both days.
Aug. 31: Labor Day Sporting Clay Shoot, NSCA registered event by choice, Hanover Fish & Game, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville. Registration starts 8AM, shooting begins 9AM. Info: https://hanovercalys.com.
Sept. 1: Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club family picnic, members only. 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk.
Sept. 1: NYS Squirrel season opens in WNY (gray, black, fox).
Sept. 2: Hawkeye Bowmen 3D Archery Shoot, 3 courses, $12 entry, 7AM-2PM; Open to public; 13300 Clinton St., Alden, NY.
Sept. 6-7: WNY Walleye Association Lake Erie Walleye Tournament, Contact Ron Kucinski: 716-545-5925, or email: kucinski1293@gmail.com.
Sept. 7-8: NYS Hunter-Safety course for Bowhunting (Sep. 7) and Firearms (Sep. 8), West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls; Register online: https://register-ed.com. Must register separately for Bowhunter and/or Hunter Education (firearms).
Sept. 9-22: NYS Early Antlerless 2024 Deer Season (firearms allowed), check specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).
Sept. 15: Deadline for waterfowl hunting applications to Oak Orchard/Tonawanda WMAs. Visit NYSDEC online.