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

James V. Spignesi, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at the University of Connecticut

The James V. Spignesi, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut honors Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Officer James V. Spignesi, Jr. Officer Spignesi, a 21-year veteran of the DEEP, became the first EnCon Police Officer to die in the line of duty when he was killed while on routine patrol in Scotland, Connecticut on November 20, 1998.

Officer Spignesi graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1975. He began his 21-year career at the DEEP as a seasonal employee in the wildlife division before moving into a permanent position as a wildlife biologist in the deer research program in 1981. He became an EnCon Police Officer in 1991 and in 1998 was awarded DEEP’s Medal for Meritorious Service for the safe recovery of a runaway youth in Natchaug State Forest.

The annual scholarship will be granted to an upperclassman who aspires to a career in wildlife management or conservation law enforcement, and demonstrates Officer Spignesi’s attributes of dedication, generosity, and professionalism.

Donations to the scholarship fund may be made by check, payable to:

James Spignesi Memorial Fund
71 Westmont
West Hartford, CT 06117

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