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. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Resources and ReferencesIllustration of a resource or information manual

Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion & Sediment Control (2024)
This is a direct link to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's webpage for soil erosion and sediment control. The guidelines are often referenced in municipal planning, zoning, and inland wetlands permit applications and/or regulations. For a direct link to the manual: Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion & Sediment Control

Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (2024)
This is a direct link to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's webpage for stormwater quality. The guidelines are on the measures necessary to protect the waters of the State of Connecticut from the adverse impacts of post-construction stormwater runoff; and focuses on site planning, source control, and stormwater treatment practices. It is intended for use as a planning tool and design guidance document by the regulated and regulatory communities involved in stormwater quality management. For a direct link to the manual: Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual

Agriculture, Forestry & Connecticut's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act (Oct. 2016)
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection brochure discussing agriculture and forestry activities pursuant to the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act.

Clarification of Wetland Soil Criteria for Human-Altered and Human-Transported Soils in Connecticut
(May 2015) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Connecticut Office, fact sheet produced in conjunction with the CT DEEP's Inland Wetlands Management Section. This fact sheet discusses human-altered and human-transported (HAHT/disturbed) soils and criteria for determining when such soils meet the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act definition of wetlands.

Soil Scientist Qualifications
Fact sheet on what constitutes a "soil scientist" pursuant to the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act.

Vernal Pools
Connecticut's municipal inland wetlands agencies have jurisdiction over regulated activities that are likely to impact or affect all vernal watercourses. Under Connecticut law, vernal pools, which contain a specific ecology, are one type of vernal watercourse. A variety of online resources exist which review vernal pool ecology, describe the animals that breed in and use vernal pools, provide materials to assist with field assessments and local mapping projects, and discuss other state and federal laws.

Wetlands of Connecticut (Metzler and Tiner, 1992)
Publication discussing Connecticut wetland formation, hydrology, and vegetation and plant communities.

Additional information is also available at Connecticut's Wetlands.

 

Content updated October 22, 2024