New Hampshire Fish and Game to Bill Unprepared Hikers for Rescue Operation
New Hampshire Fish and Game plans to bill four 18-year-old hikers from New Jersey who required rescue from Franconia Ridge. The group became stranded on Friday evening, with one hiker experiencing difficulty breathing and sore legs. Officials reported that the hikers lacked essential supplies, including lights, sufficient water and food, and appropriate clothing for the strong winds and cold temperatures on the ridge. A rescue team hiked 4.2 miles over three hours to reach the individuals at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday. After providing lights, food, water, and warm clothing, the team guided the hikers to the trailhead, arriving at 9:07 a.m. The department intends to bill the hikers due to their lack of preparation for a 7 to 9-hour hike that they began at 3:30 p.m. The rescue operation was initially funded by the New Hampshire Hike Safe Card and the Search and Rescue Fund. 
