Dan Cassidy
Chief Ranger
Dan joined the Preserve team as a Seasonal Patrol Ranger back in October of 2017 with a foundation in rock climbing and mountain pursuits. He worked his way up the ranks of the ranger team and in January of 2024 landed in his current role as Chief Ranger. Prior to working with the Preserve, Dan was the manager of the Inner Wall Rock Climbing Gym (currently owned and operated as BC’s climbing gym) in the Village of New Paltz.
Dan has spent the last 7 years honing his skills as a rescuer and manager and he prides himself on being inclusive and welcoming to visitors and staff alike. He is an avid rock climber, mountain/gravel cyclist, trail runner, and snowboarder, with a focus on a “fast-and-light” style. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz where he also focused on scientific research in various lab settings. Dan is a Wilderness First Responder, Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instructor, Level 2 Leave No Trace Instructor, and CISM certified.