Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Forest Management on State Lands

There are 33 State Forests totaling about 175,000 acres in Connecticut. They are managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Division of Forestry. The Division of Forestry seeks to develop a vigorous, resilient forest environment capable of sustaining the wide range of demands that the public places on these lands. These demands include a variety of recreational experiences, natural diversity (including threatened and endangered species), the preservation of unique sites (both geologic and archaeological), the provision of raw materials as forest products, and the maintenance of wildlife and fisheries habitats. The Division’s professional foresters work to ensure these forests remain healthy and vigorous while serving the needs of Connecticut's citizens.

Connecticut’s woodlands offer many benefits and ecosystem services, such as:

  1. Forest Ecosystem Health and Diversity – Healthy and diverse forest ecosystems provide a highly functional, valuable, and resilient mix of habitats for plants and animals.
  2. Wildlife Habitat – Many of Connecticut’s wildlife species, both common and rare, use different kinds of forested habitats. It is important to create a variety of habitats for animals that have different needs.
  3. Climate Change Mitigation through Sequestration and Storage – As climate change remains a pressing global issue, Connecticut’s State Forests can mitigate it by sequestering and storing carbon in above and belowground vegetation and in long-lived wood products used locally and beyond.
  4. Environmental Protection – Connecticut’s State Forests provide environmental benefits, including clean air, improved water quality, protected watersheds, and enhanced soil health.
  5. Forest Protection – Managing Connecticut’s State Forests helps reduce susceptibility to threats such as wildfire, weather events, and invasive plants and insects, keeping them healthy and productive while minimizing spread to neighboring private forestlands.
  6. Economic Benefits – Sustainably harvesting forest products like timber, firewood, witch-hazel, and maple syrup from Connecticut’s State Forests provides jobs and raw material for a locally-sourced, forest-based, green economy. The State Forests provide a model for private forest landowners to consider when managing their properties.
  7. Recreational/Health Benefits – Recreational opportunities abound across Connecticut’s State Forest system, providing a local and economical way for Connecticut’s residents and guests to stay healthy and active.

Silvicultural treatments before and after headline image

Clearcut Treatment
Oak Shelterwood Establishment Harvest
White Pine Thinning
White Pine Plantation Thinning
Irregular Shelterwood Harvest

A reminder to those recreating in CT's state forests

The CT Blue-Blazed Trail System is for foot traffic only. Please respect CT Statute Sec. 23-10a and refrain from mountain biking and horse back riding. The portions of this trail system that cross State property are maintained by CT Forest and Park Association volunteers and are designated as hiking trails. Thank you for your cooperation.

State Forest Management Plans

Invitations to bid*

*The Division of Forestry will only accept bids from individuals and entities on the registered Bidders List.  The application for the Bidders List and additional information are available in the Bidders Manual For The Sale of Forest Products From State-Owned Lands.

State forest maps 

State forest infrastructure projects

Road Upgrades at the Quillinan Reservoir Block of Naugatuck State Forest, Ansonia

Approximately 4,000 feet of gravel roads were repaired in August 2026 by DEEP construction crews. Funding to buy the gravel was provided by revenues from timber sales on State Forests. The improved roads will provide access for fire protection, rescuing injured hikers, and future forest management.

Culvert Replacement on Brooksvale Stream, Naugatuck State Forest, Mt. Sanford Block, Hamden


Culvert on Brooksvale Stream prior to replacement, December 2021. 


New culvert on Brooksvale Stream, May 2025. 

This project was completed in May 2025. Brooksvale Stream provides an ideal habitat for native brook trout because much of the watershed is made up of managed State Forests. Public access to this block of the forest from the end of Downes Road is via the white or blue trails and not through the YMCA Camp, which is private property. 

Naugatuck State Forest Map with Culvert Marked 

 

Other resources

 

Content last updated on September 2, 2026.