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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08/01/2018

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Requests Proposals for Recreational Trails Grants

CT Recreational Trails Grants Program Requesting Proposals Applications due by October 31, 2018

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for Connecticut’s Recreational Trails Program Grants. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2018. Pending availability of funds during 2018-2019, grants may be made to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments. Grant amounts vary.
Connecticut Recreational Trails Program funds may be requested for uses including:
  • Planning and design of trails.
  • Construction of new trails (motorized and non-motorized).
  • Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails (motorized and non-motorized).
  • Access to trails by persons with disabilities.
  • Purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment.
  • Acquisition of land or easements for a trail, or for trail corridors.
  • Operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection as related to recreational trails.
Highlights of previous grant recipients include:
Thompson’s Trails Committee, received $9,704.00 for trail maintenance throughout the town and on the Air Line State Park Trail.
The Borough of Naugatuck, received $80,000.00 for development of a trail system on 130 acres of their new Andrew Mountain Property open space.
The Town of Watertown, received $252,962.40 for a pedestrian bridge on the Steele Brook Greenway.
Visit www.ct.gov/deep/ctrectrails for details and applications. For further information contact: Laurie Giannotti, DEEP Recreational Trails & Greenways Program at (860) 424-3578.
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