As rescues rise, rangers to talk to hikers

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) >> As rangers rescue more hikers in the Adirondacks, state officials are taking an extra step to make sure hikers are prepared.

The state Department of Conservation says that starting this month, rangers and others will talk to hikers at trailheads and on the trails about proper preparation.

The program will start in High Peaks Wilderness on Feb. 16-18. Forest Rangers, Adirondack Mountain Club summit stewards and local volunteers will help make sure hikers are properly dressed and equipped.

Rangers have been called out on more backcountry search and rescue missions, especially in the High Peaks. There has been an average of 97 search and rescue incidents per year in the last four years. That’s up from an average of 65 incidents per year in the previous four-year period.