It’s been nearly a year since an Assistant Forest Ranger’s body was found in the Adirondack backcountry.
Brendan Jackson’s death revealed a key failure of how the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) tracks its staff in the field and prompted a review of its personnel policies.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton recently announced new safety regulations for assistant forest rangers ahead of the busy summer hiking season.
“Even the most prepared and experienced outdoor enthusiasts can still face tragedy in our wilderness,” said Lefton. “That was the case near Duck Hole last June, with one of our own Assistant Forest Rangers, Brendan Jackson.”
Reporter Catherine Wheeler spoke with Emily Russell about the legacy Jackson left behind and about the new regulations for AFRs and rangers at our reporting partner North Country Public Radio (NCPR).
NCPR is the member-supported public radio network serving as the primary NPR member station for the Adirondacks, the St. Lawrence Valley, the Champlain Valley, and the Thousand Islands region. NCPR operates a network of over 30 transmitters and translators covering northern New York, western Vermont, and parts of southeastern Ontario and Quebec. You can find the full broadcast schedule, become a member, or listen to their live stream directly on the North Country Public Radio website.
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