29-year-old found, treated for frostbite in Schoharie County

BLENHEIM, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Each week the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) releases the “Forest Rangers Week in Review.” For the week of Dec. 9 to 16, forest rangers in Schoharie County searched for a reportedly, potentially depressed person in the Blenheim State Forest.

According to the DEC, Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

On Sunday, Dec. 15 around 1 a.m., the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office requested Forest Ranger assistance with a search. The overnight search continued with eight rangers and deputies following tracks in the snow.

According to the DEC, rangers lost the first set of tracks because of the snow coverage but continued to search. Around 8:11 a.m., Forest Ranger Katherine Fox located new tracks near an old logging road, eventually locating the 29-year-old.

Fox helped the person out of the snow to a waiting ambulance, where they were treated for frostbite. Services for the call were clear shortly after.

Blenheim State Forest is open year-round for hunting and hiking. The DEC reminds hikers to check weather conditions before heading out. For more information on winter hiking safety essentials, visit the DEC’s website.

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 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911.