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

Give a Gift of Wildlife 

The Wildlife Division is responsible for managing wildlife resources in the State of Connecticut in order to provide stable, healthy populations of diverse wildlife species, including endangered and threatened species. This is done through educating and assisting the public on wildlife issues and managing hunting, as well as hunter safety programs. Wildlife staff are responsible for conservation education/firearms safety classes, species assessment of harvested and non-harvested wildlife, habitat management, technical assistance, recreation management, public outreach and education, the Natural Diversity Data Base, and license and permit administration.

Protect Endangered Species    |   Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp

Protect Endangered Species

The "Endangered Species/Wildlife Fund" supports Connecticut’s endangered species, plants, natural area preserves, and habitats many of which are threatened, endangered, or of special concern in Connecticut. Donations to the program have benefited projects for which other funding sources might not be available and have allowed the DEEP to increase its knowledge and understanding of uncommon species in Connecticut such as bog turtles, wetland birds, bats, rare fish, dragonflies, butterflies, northern bog violets, and white-fringed orchids.

Over $739,615 has been allocated from the Fund to support 104 projects related to State endangered, threatened, or special concern species, non-harvested wildlife, and Connecticut natural areas preserves.

Individuals can contribute directly by sending a check payable to "DEEP-Endangered Species/Wildlife Fund" to: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bureau of Financial and Support Services, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106

Protect Our Cherished Wildlife Habitat -- Purchase a CT Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp!

Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp dollars deliver results for wildlife and habitat! Migratory bird hunters are required to purchase a Connecticut stamp to participate in migratory bird hunting seasons. Other licensed hunters are encouraged to purchase a Connecticut Duck Stamp (even if they do not participate in the migratory bird hunting seasons) to show their support for the conservation and purchase of wetland habitats. Hunters can purchase stamps for $17 each wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold: participating town clerks, participating retail agents, DEEP License and Revenue (79 Elm Street in Hartford), and through the Online Outdoor Licensing System.

Nonhunters and others who wish to support wetland habitat protection can also purchase Connecticut stamps for $17 from the Online Outdoor Licensing System under the "Other" category. Those who are not already licensed hunters or anglers will need to get a Conservation ID number to use the site. Stamps can also be purchased at DEEP License and Revenue in person or by sending a check for $17 to DEEP License and Revenue, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106 (ordered stamps will be sent through the mail).

Environmental Gift Giving Guide

Content last updated in August 2024.