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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01/29/2018

12th Annual No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival

Grab your winter gear, bundle up your children and join us for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) No Child Left Inside® 12th annual FREE Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington.  A full range of fun, outdoor winter activities for the entire family will be happening on Saturday, February 3, 2018, 10 AM to 3 PM.
“Join us outdoors with family and friends for an unforgettable winter experience at Burr Pond State Park. Weather permitting, you can try your hand at ice fishing and hopefully reel in a fish, perhaps learn how to snowshoe and play winter games at DEEP’s annual Winter Festival,” said Commissioner Robert Klee.  “Year after year families look forward to this Festival where they can spend the day outdoors, bonding with each other, meeting new friends, and participating in good old-fashioned fun.”
The Festival is FREE and there is no registration required. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Come out and enjoy a day full of outdoor adventure.  Activities planned for the day include ice fishing, fish fry, snowshoeing, ice sculpting and snow play, wildlife tracks, winter hikes, ice safety rescue demonstrations by the Torrington Fire Department, LL BEAN and BASS Pro demos, visits from Resources in Search and Rescue and the Wolfpack Mascot, winter games, a marshmallow roast, bonfire and stories.
**Weather and Ice permitting** --- Ice fishing equipment and instruction will be provided by DEEP’s Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) instructors. Dress for the cold weather and bring your spikes.
DEEP reminds those wishing to venture onto the ice, that SAFETY COMES FIRST.  Be aware that ice thickness varies on all water bodies due to a number of environmental factors including in-lake water circulatory patterns, snow cover and the type and amounts of recent precipitation.  Please check the ice carefully before venturing out and check repeatedly to make sure the ice thickness is sufficient.  
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) www.healthychildren.org has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm on a cold winter day.
  • Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens (to keep hands warmer), and a hat. Layering is a good idea; so are moisture-wicking fabrics and clothing that’s geared to the sport.
  • The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
  • Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Have children come inside periodically to warm up.
  • The sun’s rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. Make sure to cover your child’s exposed skin with sunscreen.
Visit No Child Left Inside® at www.NoChildLeftInside.org to learn more and visit Burr Pond State Park at www.ct.gov/deep/BurrPond for directions.
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