Habitat Management for Wildlife

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

Habitat Management for Wildlife

Shrubland habitat for wildlife Connecticut's wildlife resources are managed to maintain stable, healthy populations of wildlife, including endangered and threatened species, in numbers compatible with both habitat carrying capacity and existing land use practices. To support a diversity of wildlife, habitats are managed on state forests and wildlife management areas. Educational programs and technical assistance are provided to enhance privately-owned habitats and promote an appreciation for the value of Connecticut's wildlife. Hunting seasons and bag limits are regulated for harvestable wildlife species. Public hunting opportunities are managed on state-owned, state-leased, and permit-required areas. And, with volunteer assistance, conservation education and safety programs are provided to promote safe and ethical hunting practices.

Habitat Management at Wildlife Management Areas and State Forests

Updates on on-going projects to create and enhance habitat for wildlife.

Connecticut's Young Forest Habitat Initiative

The Wildlife Division, in cooperation with other partners, has initiated the Young Forest Habitat Initiative to help restore important habitats. Projects associated with this initiative include: 1) New England Cottontail Restoration; 2) Shrubland Bird Monitoring; and 3) American Woodcock Habitat Use and Survival.

Wildlife Habitat Management on Private Land

For private landowners interested in implementing habitat management projects to create or sustain young forest or shrubland habitat for wildlife, technical and financial assistance may be available to those wishing to conduct practices outlined in the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP).

Controlling Invasive Phragmites in Connecticut's Wetlands

This fact sheet provides information on how invasive Phragmites australis is controlled in freshwater and saltwater marshes.

Connecticut's Wildlife Action Plan

The DEEP Wildlife Division is currently in the process of updating the CT Wildlife Action Plan for 2025-2035. The final version of the 2015 Connecticut Wildlife Action Plan was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in January 2016. This plan establishes both a state and national framework for proactively conserving our fish and wildlife, including their habitats, for the next 10 years.

Federal Funding for Fish and Wildlife

The Fisheries and Wildlife Divisions of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection receive the majority of their funding through federal grants. Two grant programs, the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration, have been particularly important. These programs were initiated by sportsmen and conservationists to provide states with funding for fish and wildlife management and research, habitat acquisition, and sportsmen education programs.