DEC Rangers Rescue Stranded Drivers in Snowy New York

Several vehicles, including a Mercedes Sprinter van, became stuck on snowmobile trails this past week.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that its rangers have been responding to multiple incidents of vehicles becoming stranded in the snow across the state. The rangers have been working to free the stuck vehicles, which have included pickup trucks and even a Mercedes Sprinter van, and coordinate with local authorities and tow companies to get the drivers back on the road.

Why it matters

With heavy snowfall hitting parts of New York, the DEC rangers' efforts to assist stranded drivers highlight the importance of being prepared for winter driving conditions and the challenges that can arise, even for those not in typical off-road vehicles. The rescues also showcase the collaborative work between state agencies and local responders to ensure public safety on the roads.

The details

The DEC rangers have responded to several incidents of vehicles becoming stuck in the snow on snowmobile trails across New York state. In one case in Altona, Clinton County, a pickup truck was stranded on a trail, and the rangers coordinated with the local snowmobile club to remove a second vehicle that was also stuck but not obstructing the trail. In Broome, Schoharie County, a truck with three people inside became stuck while they were reportedly planning to go squirrel hunting, requiring the assistance of state police and the county sheriff's office, as well as a tow company with a skid steer to extract the vehicle. In Crown Point, Essex County, two vehicles became stuck on a snowmobile trail, and the rangers provided a courtesy ride to one of the operators and made arrangements with a tow company to remove the vehicles the next day.

  • On Saturday, February 21st, DEC Rangers responded around 10:30pm to a stranded vehicle on a snowmobile trail in Altona, Clinton County.
  • On Thursday, February 19th, DEC Rangers responded to a stuck truck with three people inside in Broome, Schoharie County.
  • On Thursday, February 19th, DEC Rangers responded to two stuck vehicles on a snowmobile trail in Crown Point, Essex County.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

The state agency that oversees environmental and natural resource management, including responding to incidents involving vehicles stranded in snowy conditions.

New York State Police

Assisted the DEC Rangers in responding to the incident in Broome, Schoharie County.

Schoharie County Sheriff's Office

Assisted the DEC Rangers and State Police in responding to the incident in Broome, Schoharie County.

Local snowmobile club

Coordinated with the DEC Rangers to remove a second stuck vehicle in Altona, Clinton County.

Tow companies

Provided assistance in removing the stranded vehicles, including using a skid steer in Broome, Schoharie County.

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The takeaway

The DEC Rangers' efforts to rescue stranded drivers in the snow highlight the importance of being prepared for winter driving conditions and the collaborative work between state agencies and local responders to ensure public safety on the roads. These incidents serve as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution and have proper equipment when venturing out in snowy weather.