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

CEEJAC Land Subcommittee

Land Subcommittee brings attention to urban environments and community participation in issues related to open space, remediation projects, brownfields, urban forestry, and (coastal) land acquisition. This subcommittee aims to:

  • Identify a public participation process that includes community stakeholders in the development of grant funding programs.  
  • Identify strategies for conserving and revitalizing/remediating land in urban environments.  
  • Identify opportunities to reduce barriers to accessing open space beyond urban parks. 

Council Members

  • Kathy Czepiel
  • Anna Ruth Pickett
  • Reggy Saint Fortcolin

Council Member Bios

Urban Forestry

Urban forestry is the management and care of trees and green spaces in urban areas. There are a lot of social and health benefits urban forestry provides such as helping offset urban heat island effect. CEEJAC is providing DEEP's forestry division with feedback on a grant program that would allow recipients to pursue community forestry projects.

Previous Meetings:

Oct 13, 2023 - Land Subcommittee Meeting

Land Acquisition

Previous Meetings:

April 4, 2024 - Land Subcommittee Meeting (Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition)

Open Space

Previous Meetings:

February 22, 2024 - Land Subcommittee Meeting (Conservation and Development Plan)

Dec 1, 2023 - Land Subcommittee Meeting