COLLINS — State Department of Environomental Conservation officers assisted in rescuing two fishermen who needed to be transported by helicopter after heavy rains struck Saturday afternoon in Zoar Valley.

Around 4 p.m., Forest Ranger Wayne Krulish and Assistant Forest Ranger Korah Witherell patrolled the Zoar Valley Unique Area ensuring all visitors were accounted for following a heavy rainfall. Two vehicles remained in the Valentine Flats parking area and Krulish and Witherell hiked in and located the individuals at the north side of the Cattaraugus Creek main branch where the two had been fishing.

Heavy thunderstorms caused the creek to rise quickly, preventing the anglers from crossing to return to their vehicles. They were advised to remain in their location until rangers could assist and help the pair hike out of the gorge.

While rangers were en route, Erie County 911 dispatched a helicopter to pick up the hikers. The helicopter returned the pair to the Valentine Flats parking area at about 7:30 p.m. Krulish interviewed the two hikers and issued tickets for unlawful use of the area.