Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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11/25/2020

Draft 2020 Connecticut Forest Action Plan Released

Public Webinar to be Hosted Dec. 4, Open for Public Comment

 

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Forestry Division has updated the Connecticut Forest Action Plan and released a draft for public review and comment.


The Connecticut Forest Action Plan is a statewide guidance document required by the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to receive federal funds for forestry programs. It must be updated every 10 years and this version is updating the original Connecticut Forest Action Plan (originally called the Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy) completed in 2010.


Federal funds received due to the Connecticut Forest Action Plan contribute to several programs in Connecticut, including the Forest Fire Protection Program, Forest Stewardship Program, Urban Forestry Program, and the Forest Legacy Program within DEEP Forestry, as well as the Forest Health Program administered by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. These programs have received nearly $5 million since Fiscal Year (FY) 2015.


Connecticut’s Forest Action Plan serves as a guide for DEEP Forestry and hopefully inspires others to improve and protect Connecticut’s forest resources for future generations. It aims to identify issues and prioritize important areas, values, and needs; it analyzes current conditions and trends of Connecticut’s forest resources; and it lays out strategies and action steps to best plan for the future of the forested landscape. It is the result of collaboration with many partners and stakeholders.


The Connecticut Forest Action Plan also provides guidance for DEEP and partner organizations to apply for competitive grants through the USDA Forest Service. Over $7 million has come to Connecticut through competitive USDA Forest Service grants since FY 2015.


The draft 2020 Connecticut Forest Action Plan can be found here. Comments can be sent to Dan Peracchio, Forest Planner, at daniel.peracchio@ct.gov before December 11, 2020. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association will host an informational webinar related to the Plan on December 4, 2020, from 12-1 p.m. Those interested in attending can register here.

 

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