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

Forest Practices Advisory Board

Description of Board Purpose and Membership Requirements

The Forest Practices Advisory Board was established by State Statute (CGS 23-65g) in 1991. The Board is charged with three primary duties:

  1. To periodically review applicable regulations concerning forest practices and the certification of forest practitioners and, as needed, issue recommendations to the Commissioner of Energy & Environmental Protection for changes to such regulations;
  2. To periodically review the programs and policies of the department regarding forests, forest health and forest practices and issue recommendations to the commissioner for changes, as needed, to such programs and policies; and
  3. To provide advice and guidance to the commissioner regarding the certification of technically proficient forest practitioners and the revocation or suspension of such certifications.

The board consists of the State Forester or his designee and nine public members. Of the nine public members, one each is appointed by:

  • the president pro tempore of the Senate
  • the majority leader of the Senate
  • the minority leader of the Senate
  • the speaker of the House of Representatives
  • the majority leader of the House of Representatives
  • the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

The other three public members are appointed by the Governor. In addition, by law, among the members appointed are at least one each of the following:

  • a professional forester in private practice
  • a representative of the forest products industry
  • an officer of an environmental organization that is headquartered within the state and is concerned primarily with forests
  • a professor of forestry or natural resources from a college or university within the state
  • an owner of not less than ten nor more than two hundred fifty acres of forest land
  • a representative of an environmental organization not primarily concerned with forests
  • a member of an inland wetlands agency.

The members of the board, excepting the State Forester or his designee, are appointed for a term of four years. Each appointed member of the board shall serve until his or her successor is appointed. The State Forester or his designee serves as chairman of the board. The board meets at least three times annually or upon the written request of a majority of the members of the board. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The principal office of the board is the State Forester's office. Those who wish to correspond with the board may direct their inquiries to the attention of:

Christopher Martin
State Forester
DEEP Division of Forestry
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Christopher.Martin@ct.gov

Current Membership
Member Membership Criterion
Christopher Martin State Forester
Ian Branson Professional Forester in Private Practice
Brennan Sheahan Representative of the Forest Products Industry
Dr. Mark Ashton Professor of Forestry
Jovan Bryan Environmental Organization not primarily concerned with forests
Barbara Kelly Inland Wetlands Agency
Bruce Spaman General Public
Vacant General Public
Joan Nichols Owner of not less than 10 nor more than 250 acres of forest land
Dr. Jeffrey S. Ward Environmental Organization that is concerned primarily with forests
Schedule and Minutes of Recent Meetings

The public is invited to attend all Forest Practices Advisory Board Meetings

Future Meeting Dates:

To Be Determined

Minutes of Past Meetings:

October 23, 2024 (draft)

June 12, 2024

February 28, 2024 

October 25, 2023

June 28, 2023

February 27, 2023 

October 31, 2022

June 27, 2022

February 17, 2022

October 28, 2021 

June 29, 2021

February 25, 2021

October 29, 2020

June 18, 2020

February 27, 2020

October 31, 2019

June 20, 2019

February 21, 2019

September 12, 2018

June 20, 2018

February 28, 2018

October 4, 2017

March 2, 2017

October 6, 2016

June 23, 2016

January 28, 2016

Forest Practices Act Temporary Task Force

Content last updated in November 2024