DEC Forest Ranger Michael Thompson, who patrols the Southern Adirondacks, tells us what goes into protecting these precious lands and why after 11 years he still can't wait to go to work every day.
Forest Rangers are historically linked to the Fire Warden's. ECO's are closer to the traditional police officer. Yes, there's a lot of "crossover" between their current duties... But, Rangers are more like firefighters & EMT's.
Sorry for responding a couple years late, but DEC are pretty much like game wardens. They primarily enforce hunting laws, firewood laws, stuff like that. Rangers do much more "ranger" stuff, like patrolling state parks and forests, doing rescues, doing wildland firefighting, etc. Rangers and NYS Park Police have a lot of crossover in terms of their duties.
Please report your sighting via email at ghogweed@dec.ny.gov or call the Giant Hogweed Information Line: 845-256-3111. Please provide photos, detailed directions to the plant infestation (GPS coordinates and street address a plus) and estimate the number of plants: dec.ny.gov/animals/39809.html#See.
I thought forest rangers stop people from hunting animals or was I told incorrect information? Asking bc the ranger in this video clearly hunts as a hobby lol
Forest Rangers are sworn police officers, who work within an assigned geographic area, and enforce provisions of the Environmental Conservation Law in order to protect and enhance New York State lands and natural resources, as well as the well-being of the public who use these resources. Hunting is legal in New York State, and Forest Rangers are permitted to hunt while following the same laws and regulations as all other New York State residents. You can find more information here: www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/41086.html.
