DEC activity during the excessive rain and flooding last week

Due to excessive rains, flooding occurred in multiple locations in New York’s Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region last week. In response, DEC deployed two swift water teams that included four airboats, kayaks / rafts, and 20 Forest Rangers trained in water rescues. 

On Aug. 14, the teams conducted multiple rescues in the town of Conklin while assisting local authorities. On Aug. 16, the teams surveyed the Susquehanna River looking for hazards and infrastructure damage. On Aug. 17, an airboat team assisted the New York State Department of Transportation with a bridge inspection in the town of Conklin. The bridge over Snake Creek was reportedly damaged by floodwater.

On Aug. 14, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) activated the State Incident Management Team to respond to flooding in the Finger Lakes region. This multi-agency team helps provide additional command and control during large-scale emergency operations.  

Four Forest Rangers were assigned to the team in a variety of roles, including deputy incident commander, planning section chief, situation unit leader, and logistics section chief. The team is helping to manage the recovery operations in Seneca County.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (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.

In 2017, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 346 search and rescue missions, extinguished 55 wildfires that burned a total of 191 acres, participated in 29 prescribed fires that burned and rejuvenated 564 acres, and worked on cases that resulted in nearly 3,000 tickets or arrests.

“Across New York, DEC Forest Rangers are on the front lines helping people safely enjoy the great outdoors,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. 

Seggos added, “Their knowledge of first aid, land navigation, and technical rescue techniques are critical to the success of their missions, which take them from remote wilderness areas with rugged mountainous peaks, to white-water rivers, and throughout our vast forested areas statewide.”