Pine Tree Search and Rescue

04/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=873608412361306&set=a.253639071024913

In the emergency services and military world individuals wear stripes on the left sleeve of their uniforms to signify how long they have been in their respective fields. Many times we in the volunteer world put in countless years that go unnoticed.

So our board of directors thought it would be fitting to recognize our members who have shown many years of dedication to the team and SAR community, So last night at our monthly meeting we adopted the Years of service stripes and presented members with theirs to wear proudly on their uniforms.

Every 3 years members must be recertified. So it was decided, that each stripe signifies 3 years of service received upon completion of their recertification.
Each Search Team Member (STM) receives a silver outlined stripe, and Search Team Leader (STL) receives a gold outlined stripe.

Job well done to our members who have VOLUNTEERED their time, effort and dedication to recieve their stripes.

03/22/2026

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Another great job by Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team

Flume Slide in Lincoln, NH – On Thursday afternoon, Fish and Game was notified of two hikers stuck near the top of the Flume Slide, unable to ascend or descend due to perilously icy conditions.

Members of Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) and the Pemi team responded to the trailhead along with Conservation Officers and hiked up to the stranded hikers, arriving at 6:15 p.m.

Using ropes, crampons, and harnesses, the rescue teams were able to lower the hikers to a safe location, from which they were able to hike out along with rescuers. All parties safely made it back to the trailhead shortly after 11pm.

During the mission, rescuers had to set up safety lines due to swollen brook crossings at numerous locations.

Remember -- with the melting of this winter's heavy snowfall, water crossings will be running high, and the freeze-thaw cycle can make for significant ice. Stay safe out there!

📸 Credit Matt B

03/22/2026

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03/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=947820624865917&set=a.101276219520366

HIKERS RESCUED FROM MOUNT FLUME IN LINCOLN NH - On Thursday, March 19, 2026, at approximately 2:16pm The NH Fish and Game was notified of two hikers who were stuck near the top of the Flume Slide in Lincoln.

At the time of the call the two individuals explained that due to extremely icy trail conditions they were no longer able to ascend the trail and were in a location that they were no longer able to safely descend the trail.

The hikers explained they tried for a while to find a way down safely but were unable to move from their location. After speaking with the hikers, it was determined the only way to get the hikers was to send rescuers with crampons, ropes and harnesses to their location.

Rescuers from Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the trailhead along with Conservation Officers.

Rescuers hiked up to the stranded hikers and arrived at 6:15 pm. Using ropes, crampons and harnesses the rescue teams were able to lower the hikers to safety.

After getting the hikers to a safe location on the trail they were able to hike out. The hikers and rescuers safely made it back to the trailhead at 11:10 pm.

The hikers were identified as Casey Cullinan, 30 of Warwick, Rhode Island and William Becker, 30 of Hope Valley, Rhode Island.

They were prepared for an overnight winter hike and camping but only had micro spikes and not crampons. The pair had already spent one night out camping.

During the rescue, rescuers had to set up safety lines due to swollen brook crossings at numerous locations.

This is just a reminder that with warmer temperatures and snow melting crossing brooks and streams might not be possible.

PRESS RELEASE courtesy of The New Hampshire Fish and Game

03/19/2026

https://www.wmtw.com/article/missing-umaine-student-found-dead-chance-lauer/70785426?fbclid=IwY2xjawQoImdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLcUw3OEZ6ZFM2dXNTbHF2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr9ZAsyAxi04dh8p5F5tnKTadck7_RFAJfSASXWolDrDHMikMYDUjphHGJ5G_aem_y0BhscygjLGx7KXkHCSmQQ

Police say Chance Lauer's body was discovered in a retention pond near an Orono apartment complex.

03/15/2026

Today we held our March training. Thank you to the S**o Pathfinders snowmobile club for the use of their clubhouse and to Ferry Beach State Park. Focus was on day navigation with map, compass, GPS, and CalTopo

03/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1363666742464059&set=a.458940409603368

Morning crossing: manageable.
Afternoon crossing: waist deep.

We’re now on Day 5 of the prolonged thaw in the White Mountains, and the snowpack is disappearing quickly. All of that melting snow has to go somewhere, and right now it’s pouring into mountain streams and drainages.

This photo was shared with us and shows a crossing that had become waist deep by the afternoon. With the rapid snowmelt happening right now, water levels in mountain streams can change dramatically over the course of a warm day. A crossing that feels manageable in the morning may look very different by the time you return to it later in the afternoon.

This is one of the most common hazards we see during spring melt. A crossing that feels easy on the way in can become fast, cold, and difficult—or even impossible—on the way out.

As temperatures rise throughout the day, snowmelt increases and streams can swell quickly. What starts as a rock hop or shallow crossing in the morning can become thigh or waist deep by late afternoon, especially in the higher elevations where the snowpack is still melting rapidly.

This time of year, choosing routes that avoid unbridged stream crossings is often the safest option.

If your planned hike involves multiple crossings without structural bridges, it may be worth saving that route for later in the season.

A few things to keep in mind during spring thaw:

• Water levels often rise significantly throughout the day
• Cold water and strong current can quickly lead to loss of footing or hypothermia
• Conditions on the way out may be very different from the way in
• Always be willing to turn around if a crossing becomes unsafe

Getting stranded on the wrong side of a swollen stream is a surprisingly common problem this time of year.

Plan accordingly, choose routes wisely, and remember — the hike isn’t over until you’re safely back at the trailhead.

Stay safe out there.

— Lakes Region Search & Rescue

02/23/2026

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02/21/2026

Despite the weather PTSAR conducted a night navigation exercise last night. Using maps, compass, GPS, and CalTopo app both on and off trail.

02/14/2026

02/13/2026