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

Connecticut Boating COVID-19 Updates

As of March 30, 2021

Governor Lamont Statement on Final Passage of Legislation Concerning the COVID-19 Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergencies


As of January 26, 2021
Governor Lamont extends Connecticut's State of Emergency to April 20, 2021 which suspends certain legal restraints enabling DEEP and our partners to provide on-line safe boating courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Dykes also issued an Order with details for this effort.  Specifically, the on-line classes will be held on an interactive videoconferencing platform which provide the opportunity for dialog between the instructors and students.  DEEP will now also allow the boating safety course students or those wishing to take an equivalency examination to take an on-line examination. 
Registration information for classes can be found at:  https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Education/Boating-Classes  
As of September 1, 2020
Governor Lamont extends Connecticut's State of Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic to February 9, 2021. The signed order suspends certain legal restraints enabling DEEP and our partners to provide on-line safe boating courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Commissioner Dykes also issued an Order with details for this effort.  Specifically, the on-line classes will be held on an interactive videoconferencing platform which provide the opportunity for dialog between the instructors and students.  DEEP will now also allow the boating safety course students or those wishing to take an equivalency examination to take an on-line examination.  Registration information for classes can be found at:  https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Education/Boating-Classes  or requests can be made through DEEP.BoatingClasses@ct.gov.
As of June 17, 2021

All persons using state boat launch facilities and docks should maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members.  Where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn. All persons boating with non-family members should maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members.  On vessels where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn.

As of May 6, 2020
Governor Lamont issued Executive Order #7JJ on May 6, 2020 which suspends certain legal restraints enabling DEEP and our partners to provide on-line safe boating courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Commissioner Dykes also issued an Order with details for this effort.  Specifically, the on-line classes will be held on an interactive videoconferencing platform which provide the opportunity for dialog between the instructors and students.  DEEP will now also allow the boating safety course students or those wishing to take an equivalency examination to take an on-line examination.  Registration information for classes can be found starting Saturday, May 9, 2020 at:  https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Education/Boating-Classes  or requests can be made through DEEP.BoatingClasses@ct.gov.

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Safe Boating Online Learning Classes are available now!

These classes will be taught by DEEP Instructors and Approved Private Boating Class Providers.



Frequently Asked Questions


 


Guidance for the State Boat Launches