News Releases - 2022

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• 9/27/2022 DEEP Advises Motorists to Watch for Moose

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Recent sightings of moose in Woodbury, Southbury, Danbury, Newtown, and New Fairfield, though believed to be the same moose, serve as an important reminder for motorists to be aware that increased moose activity near roadways can pose a hazard. Though Connecticut’s moose population is small (about 100 individuals), moose can pose a serious threat to public safety when they wander onto roadways. Moose are more active and often travel farther distances during the fall breeding season, which peaks in September through October.

• 9/22/2022 MEDIA ADVISORY - DEEP to Hold Virtual Forum on Climate Resilience Fund Launch

  (HARTFORD, CT) – DEEP is holding a virtual launch event and webinar on Friday, September 23, from 12 noon-1 p.m. on the Climate Resilience Fund. With Governor Lamont’s announcement on Tuesday, the fund is aimed at helping communities plan and prepare for the effects of climate change by initiating planning projects for climate resilience that can be implemented and constructed with federal funds.

• 9/21/2022 Visitor Center at Dinosaur State Park Reopens After Infrastructure Update

  (HARTFORD) – Bring a sense of wonder on your next visit to Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill! The Visitor Center recently reopened for indoor public visits and viewing of the dinosaur footprints trackway. The Visitor Center was closed for several months for an infrastructure modernization which included a complete replacement of its heating and air conditioning system.

• 9/21/2022 DEEP Announces Opening Days of Fall Firearms Hunting Seasons

  (HARTFORD)- Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the Opening Days of turkey and small game hunting seasons. A variety of hunting seasons are available each fall.

• 9/16/2022 Regional Emergency Preparedness Exercise To Be Held in Capitol Region Sept. 17

  (HARTFORD)—Several emergency preparedness and response agencies are gathering on Saturday, September 17th in Windsor Locks to conduct a full-scale training exercise. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), State Emergency Response Commission, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services (Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) and Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control), the Connecticut Military Department’s New England Disaster Training Center, the Town of Enfield, fire departments from Enfield and Windsor Locks, Hartford County Fire Coordinators, DEMHS Regional representatives and the Connecticut Capitol Regional Hazardous Materials Team. Other participating agencies include the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Coast Guard. Vinal Technical High School emergency management program students assisted with exercise logistics as part of their training.

• 9/13/2022 The Connecticut Department of Agriculture Confirms Incidence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Hartford County

  The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2) at a private residence in Hartford County.

• 9/13/2022 Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Seasons Open in September

  (HARTFORD, CT) - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds hunters that the 2022 fall archery hunting seasons for deer and turkey open on Thursday, September 15, on state and private land.

• 9/8/2022 Bat Appreciation Day to Be Held at Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine Sept. 10

  (HARTFORD)—Join the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for a celebration of bat conservation at the Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event will help raise awareness about the story of one of Connecticut’s most intriguing historical sites and its importance to the conservation of endangered species.

• 9/2/2022 DEEP Urges Caution as Lifeguard Presence in State Parks Will Be Reduced Labor Day Weekend

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminded state park visitors that the number of lifeguards at state park swimming areas will be significantly reduced as the end of the summer swimming season fast approaches.

• 8/31/2022 DEEP Announces Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Dates

  (HARTFORD, CT) –Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for the 2022-2023 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows.

• 8/12/2022 DEEP Alerts Residents and Visitors of Elevated Wildfire Risk this Weekend

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminds residents and visitors that forest fire danger levels are elevated from “High” to “Extreme” throughout Connecticut and are expected to remain elevated throughout the upcoming weekend due to ongoing drought conditions. The danger will remain “High” or above until there is significant rain.

• 8/5/2022 DEEP Announces Emergency Closure to Fishing Near Tributaries to the West Branch Farmington and Farmington Rivers

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that effective August 6, 2022, it is closing short sections of the West Branch Farmington River and the Farmington River to fishing because the hot weather is creating unhealthy water temperatures for trout. DEEP is also augmenting the low release levels on the Farmington with an additional 50 cubic feet per second (CFS) of flow from the DEEP fisheries reserves to improve water conditions for fish health.

• 7/28/2022 DEEP Seeks Community Participation in Annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey

• 7/29/2022 Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew Sends Engine Crew to Fight Texas Wildfires

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Four members of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew, acting as an initial attack team, mobilized with an engine Friday morning from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough to fight wildfires in Texas.  

• 7/29/2022 Leave them Alone: DEEP Offers Advice for Snake Encounters

  Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents that snakes are active this time of year and if left alone, snakes pose no threat to people. Snake encounters, whether around the home or along a hiking trail, can be alarming for some people. DEEP is offering advice on what to do during snake encounters and a reminder about how important these reptiles are to the natural world.