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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08/08/2018

Discover Outdoor Connecticut: At Franklin Swamp WMA in North Franklin on September 22, from 10 AM to 4 PM

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Bureau of Natural Resources announces that a new event, Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day, will be held on Saturday, September 22 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at DEEP’s Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area, 391 Route 32, North Franklin, CT. This fun-filled, FREE event explores Connecticut's fish and wildlife resources and legacy of outdoor traditions, with live animals, demonstrations, archery, fish casting, fly tying, outdoor skills, shooting clays, kid's activities, a photo contest, and more. Bring a picnic lunch and stay for a few hours or the whole day!
All attendees will have a chance to win a variety of great door prizes provided by generous donors. Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day encompasses activities for all ages, including:
  • Live birds of prey and waterfowl   
  • Outdoor Skills Clinics by L.L. Bean
  • Fly casting and fly tying
  • Field dog demonstrations
  • Archery Range
  • Backyard bass casting
  • Moose calling demonstration and competition
  • Wild Edibles
  • Shooting Clays
  • A variety of kid’s crafts and activities
  • Portable sawmill
  • Electric vehicle
  • Display of entries for the Discover Outdoor Connecticut Photo Contest
…and more…
Live bird presentations this year will feature ducks, hawks, and owls from the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy and a red-tailed hawk, barred owl, American kestrel, and Cooper's hawk brought by Christine Peyreigne, the youngest falconer in Connecticut.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak firsthand with State Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police officers at the Law Enforcement trailer, DEEP biologists in wildlife, fisheries, and habitat programs, DEEP staff from the Bureaus of Outdoor Recreation and Air Management, as well as with representatives from a variety of conservation, hunting, and fishing organizations. Children can participate in several fun activities and crafts, such as tool kit building, making animal tracks, face painting, and a scavenger hunt.
Free parking will be on-site at the Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area. More detailed information about Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day is available on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/DiscoverOutdoorCT or by calling 860-424-3011 (Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).

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