BOATS Program

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

The BOATS Program

BOATS Logo

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's Boating Division (DEEP) realizes that time spent on the water is valuable to boaters. That’s why we created "BOATS". BOATS is an acronym for "Because Our Acquaintances Think Safety". Our Acquaintances are comprised of businesses and organizations that support DEEP’s mission to reduce boating accidents and fatalities and have agreed to demonstrate their support by donating tokens and coupons. The BOATS program has helped the on-water public relations.

Utilizing Prudence, the DEEP’s public education/outreach boat, we are reaching out to all boaters on the state’s waterways. During our conversations, the PRU-Crew stresses the importance of operating safely, boating sober and wearing life jackets. The crew onboard Prudence is also available to answer questions about boating, fishing and environmental issues.

In an effort to thank the boater for taking the time to be further educated about boating safety, each boat operator is given a BOATS packet that contains coupons or other branded items that boaters will find useful. Be sure to look for Prudence and her crew the next time you’re on the water and ask for your BOATS packet!