The Peru Gazette

Town of Peru
Clinton County
Law Enforcement:  On Aug 26 at 5:45 p.m., an off-duty Environmental Conservation Police Officer received a call about a subject who had taken a shot at a blue heron at Ausable Point Campground. Forest Ranger Praczkajlo responded and issued tickets to the 33-year-old subject from Hudson Falls for disorderly conduct, disturbing wildlife, and possessing and discharging a firearm in a campground. The heron was not found. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement will work with the Division of Forest Protection in the ongoing investigation.

Town of Lake Luzerne
Warren County
Wildland Fire: On Aug. 25 at 9:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Donegan, Morehouse, and Thompson assisted the Corinth and Lake Luzerne Fire Departments with locating a wildland fire reported at the Hudson River Special Management Area. Firefighters worked into the night on suppression and containment efforts. The following morning, seven Rangers joined other firefighters and achieved 50 percent containment on the two-acre fire in Eddy Swamp. On Aug. 27 at 6:40 p.m., firefighters fully contained the fire and determined it started from a lightning strike the week prior. Video of the fire is available to download (19 MB).

Lake Luzerne fire

Lake Luzerne fire

Lake Luzerne fire

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 30 at 8:40 p.m., Forest Ranger R. Praczkajlo responded to a call for three hikers on McKenzie Mountain without any light source. Ranger Praczkajlo reached the unprepared group, provided headlamps, and escorted them back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 10:20 p.m.

Town of Chesterfield
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 31 at 11:30 a.m., Forest Rangers Bode and Holdridge responded to a call for a hiker who collapsed while hiking Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain. At 1 p.m., Rangers reached the 30-year-old from Plattsburgh who was conscious, breathing, and able to walk. Rangers ensured the hiker made it to the trailhead. The subject refused further medical assistance.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 1 at 10:33 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting they were lost in the woods. Dispatch directed the hiker to call 911 so they could obtain coordinates. Coordinates placed the 69-year-old from Camillus in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness. At 12:05 a.m., Forest Rangers Corey and Foutch reached the subject and assisted them to the trailhead where they were met by Lake Placid Ambulance. The ambulance transported the patient to the hospital for evaluation.