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. 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

Press Releases

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10/12/2017

Life Jackets Increase Chances of Surviving Boating Accidents Especially as Waters Cool in Fall

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds all boaters that from October 1 – May 31, Connecticut law requires anyone using a manually propelled vessel – such as a kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard  or rowboat – to wear a proper fitting life jacket at all times.
While the fall boating season offers many outstanding boating and fishing opportunities, the risk of being injured or dying increases as water temperatures decline.  Although there may be some ideal boating days still ahead, the lower sun angles and shorter daylight hours cause the temperatures of the state’s waters to drop – meaning that immersion into cold water can cause serious injury or death due to hypothermia.
Statistics compiled every year by the U.S. Coast Guard show that the large majority of boating fatalities are the result of people drowning because they are not wearing life jackets.  While wearing a life jacket does not guarantee a person’s survival, it significantly increases your chances of surviving a boating accident.
“At this time of year, it is more important than ever to take proper safety precautions to minimize the chances of going into the water – and to be prepared for immersion if you do,” said Mike Lambert, DEEP Outdoor Recreation Bureau Chief. “People out on our rivers, lakes and Long Island Sound should be aware that cold water can create an extremely unforgiving environment.  Wearing a life jacket saves lives.”
Boating is serious fun, plan to keep it that way.
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