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

Boating

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  • COVID-19 FAQs

  • Boat Hull Maintenance

    Sanding and scraping your boat can release noxious paint into the air and water. Dust particles can irritate your lungs and eyes and can also affect the health and reproduction systems of fish, birds, crabs and other marine life.

  • Connecticut Clean Boater Program

    Description: As a companion to the Clean Marina Program, the Clean Boater Program encourages the state?s boaters to learn about and use clean boating techniques.

  • Connecticuts Clean Marina Program Home

    Description: As a companion to the Clean Marina Program, the Clean Boater Program encourages the state?s boaters to learn about and use clean boating techniques.

  • Engine, Battery Maintenance, Fueling

    According to the EPA, as much as 30% of the fuel and oil contained in a standard two-stroke outboard engine may be discharged unburned into the air along with the exhaust.

  • Helpful Contacts

    Contacts telephone numbers to be used in the event of an environmental emergency.

  • Marine Debris, Trash, Garbage and Fish Waste

    Floating debris and solid objects may result in structural damage to boats or mechanical failures. Garbage in the water or washed up on the beach is unsightly and can injure or kill birds, fish, marine turtles and mammals.

  • Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species

    Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invading coastal and inland waters. More than 50 non-native and 40 species that may not be native have been identified in Long Island Sound. Boaters can unwittingly play a role in spreading ANS.

  • Reduce and Recycle

    Remember recycling extends the life of landfills, pollutes less than incineration, saves you money, and saves natural resources energy.

  • Reducing Hazardous Waste

    Hazardous materials are found in many materials used to clean and operate your boat. However, using these products is often more out of habit than necessity.

  • Respect Wildlife

    Long Island Sound is home to seals, sea turtles and migrating shore birds and is occasionally visited by dolphins, porpoises and whales. It is important to enjoy wildlife from a distance.

  • Safety and Reference

    Prepare ahead. Know this about large vessels. Safe Boating Education.

  • Sensitive Habitats

    Long Island Sound provides invaluable habitats for many different species of birds, mammals, fish, and shellfish. It is home to lobsters and clams, herring and striped bass, eagles and terns, harbor seals and more.

  • Sewage Disposal

    The Clean Water Act prohibits discharge of untreated sewage into U.S. territorial waters.

  • Teak Maintenance

    Teak has been used in shipbuilding for thousands of years because it doesn’t rot, it’s more dimensionally stable than most woods, and it requires minimal care.