White Mountains Search and Rescue Groups
Accidents happen all to frequently in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire and Maine. On an average of 3 to 4 times per week people become injured, lost, or even succumb to the elements.
When venturing into the forest you need to be aware that you are responsible for yourself and must be prepared for mishaps that can occur suddenly and without warning. If it is determined that you have recklessly caused yourself to become lost or injured you may be billed for the cost of rescue operations.
To determine recklessness each rescue is evaluated for
- Being properly equipped and prepared for the terrain and conditions.
- Having reasonable skills for the task undertaken.
- Level of physical ability.
Col. Ronald Alie, chief of Fish and Game's Law Enforcement Division stated: "Those small number of reckless hikers can present some very difficult, dangerous and expensive search and rescue missions. Those are the hikers who'll be billed for rescues. Furthermore, we hope that the prospects of getting a bill will itself act as a deterrent to hikers who may otherwise make incorrect and uneducated decisions."
The following is a list of search and rescue organizations in the White Mountains:
- New Hampshire Fish & Game Department
- U.S. Forest Service - White Mountain National Forest
- Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue
- Appalachian Mountain Club
- Mount Washington Observatory
- Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol
- Mountain Rescue Service
- New England K9 Search and Rescue
- New Hampshire Army National Guard
- New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation
- New Hampshire Outdoor Council
- Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team
- Randolph Mountain Club
- Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities
- Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team