The Forest Ranger Foundation

08/29/2026

There is a fantastic story about the career of Prajackalope in the current Adirondack Life Magazine

You live rangering. Dispatch calls on a blizzardy night and you roll out of bed, ready to hike miles to find a lost hiker in armpit-deep snow on Marcy. A swimmer’s disappeared beneath the falls at Wilmington’s flume, and you rush away from a birthday party or a school concert. Maybe it’s a fir...

08/21/2026

Make sure you go out and purchase Adirondack Life Magazine September/October edition: The feature, A Ranger’s Life - must read.

08/07/2026

We agree.

Three state forest rangers cover one of the most heavily hiked corners of New York, down from five, and local police and fire crews are reaching hikers before the rangers do, Hunter officials said last week.

The officials called on the state Department of Environmental Conservation to assign more rangers to Greene County, citing the number of rescues both rangers and local first responders have run in recent weeks.

Read the full story: https://theoverlooknews.com/hunter-officials-call-for-more-forest-rangers-in-greene-county/

/// Photo by Roy Gumpel/The Overlook.

07/29/2026

We thank you for the visit!

It was great to sit down with two directors of The Forest Ranger Foundation to learn more about their efforts to support the Department of Environmental Conservation in protecting our forest rangers and supplying them with the essential equipment they use for their missions. Our district covers the northernmost portion of the Adirondack Park, and many forest rangers have been sent out to various mountain trails in our region to conduct search and rescues in our times of need. I will be engaging with leadership at the DEC to ensure that our forest rangers are equipped with all of the materials they need to be most effective.

07/14/2026

The fire was first reported to the DEC’s Ray Brook dispatch Monday afternoon, official says. With video: https://buff.ly/T0Sl1KA

07/09/2026

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Retired New York State Forest Ranger John Scanlon Joins the Forest Ranger Foundation Board Saranac Lake, NY – 7/9/2026

John Scanlon, a retired New York State Forest Ranger with 30 years of dedicated service to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has joined the Board of Directors of the Forest Ranger Foundation. In this new role, he will help advance the Foundation’s mission to provide additional equipment, specialized training, and critical support for active New York State Forest Rangers.

A 1982 graduate of SUNY-ESF Ranger School, Scanlon built a distinguished career responding to search and rescue operations, wildfire incidents, law enforcement matters, and public safety emergencies across New York, particularly in the Adirondack region. Known for his mentorship of new rangers and steady leadership in the field, he has been a respected figure among his peers and has contributed to training and operational efforts throughout his tenure. 

Highlights of Scanlon’s career include:
• Extensive involvement in search and rescue and wildfire response operations across DEC regions.
• Mentoring and training new Forest Rangers, helping shape the next generation of professionals.
• Multiple out of state Fire and Incident Management deployments.

“The Forest Ranger Foundation is doing essential work to equip and support the brave men and women who protect New York’s forests and communities,” said Scanlon. “After 30 years on the job, I’m honored to join the Board and bring my field experience to help ensure today’s rangers have the resources they need to succeed safely and effectively.”

The Forest Ranger Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit managed by a three-member board of retired Forest Rangers. It supplements state resources by funding gear, training, and initiatives that enhance the unique capabilities of the New York State Forest Ranger force.
Scanlon’s appointment strengthens the Board with decades of practical knowledge and a deep commitment to the traditions and future of the Ranger service.

For more information about the Forest Ranger Foundation, visit www.forestrangerfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Scott van Laer 518-524-2720
Adirondack Mountain News Times Union North Country Public Radio

07/08/2026

Thanks to your generous donations, The Foundation helps equip our rangers with all the gear they need to carry out these rescues successfully.

06/27/2026

Training now so they are ready when needed.

06/18/2026

06/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York State Forest Ranger Robert Praczkajlo Retires After Distinguished Career, Joins Board of The Forest Ranger Foundation

Saranc Lake, NY – June 1 2026 – The Forest Ranger Foundation announces the retirement of DEC Forest Ranger Robert “Rob” Praczkajlo following a long and impactful career dedicated to protecting New York’s public lands, fighting wildfires, conducting search and rescue operations, and serving communities across the Adirondacks and beyond. 

Praczkajlo, a veteran Forest Ranger based in the High Peaks region, has spent decades enforcing environmental conservation laws, responding to emergencies, and leading efforts in wild land search and rescue as well as wildfire suppression. His service included notable deployments, such as leading a crew to assist with major wildfires in Canada in 2023, as well as numerous high-profile search and rescue missions in the Adirondacks. Known for his dedication, and tenacity, he has been a consistent leader in the field, often responding to multiple incidents in challenging conditions. He was a leader among leaders.

In his retirement, Praczkajlo will continue his commitment to the Forest Ranger community by joining the Board of Directors of The Forest Ranger Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing additional equipment, training, and support to New York State Forest Rangers to enhance their ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources. 

“I’ve dedicated my career to serving the public and stewarding New York’s forests and wildlands,” said Praczkajlo. “Retirement from active duty doesn’t mean stepping away, it’s an opportunity to support the next generation of Rangers through the Foundation’s important work in equipping and empowering them.”

The Forest Ranger Foundation expressed enthusiasm about his addition to the board. “Rob’s on-the-ground experience and leadership will be invaluable as we work to bridge gaps in resources for our Rangers,” said Executive Director Scott van Laer. “Rob was the toughest Ranger I ever worked with, we were an exceptional team together in uniform, and I am very excited he will be joining me at the foundation in his retirement. His transition highlights the ongoing dedication of our Rangers, even beyond their years of service.”

Praczkajlo’s retirement will be celebrated at a dedicated event organized by the Foundation, honoring his years of service Saturday June 13th in Ray Brook New York.

About The Forest Ranger Foundation
The Forest Ranger Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting the mission of New York State Forest Rangers. By providing specialized gear, training opportunities, and other resources, the Foundation helps Rangers effectively respond to wildfires, conduct rescues, and protect the state’s natural heritage. For more information, visit www.forestrangerfoundation.org.