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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07/27/2018

DEEP Launches a Discover Outdoor Connecticut Photo Contest

Have you taken an amazing wildlife photo? Did you spot a pollinator up close? Have you spent some time in a park or out on the water? Did you watch the leaves turn brilliant oranges and reds? Show us! The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Bureau of Natural Resources announces a brand new Discover Outdoor Connecticut Photo Contest. Photographers from any state may participate, but all submitted photos must have been taken in Connecticut. Enter your best shots and possibly win some great prizes donated by the Friends of Sessions Woods.
Photographers may enter one photo in each category:
  1. wildlife (including fish and insects),
  2. people enjoying the natural world, and
  3. scenic landscapes and flora.
Judges will select first, second, and third place winners for each category, plus winners in a separate youth category (ages 15 and younger). All submitted photos will be displayed at DEEP’s Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day, scheduled for September 22, 2018, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at DEEP’s Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area, 391 Route 32, North Franklin, CT. During the event, a “People’s Choice” award will be selected by popular vote.
ENTRY IS BY MAIL ONLY: Entries must be postmarked by September 1, 2018. Instructions, rules, prizes, mailing instructions, and other details are on the official entry form, which can be found on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/DiscoverOutdoorCT (select “Photo Contest”).
First place winners will have their photograph published in the department’s bimonthly Connecticut Wildlife magazine. First, second, and third place winners will have their photographs displayed on the DEEP Website (www.ct.gov/deep).
PRIZES (donated by the Friends of Sessions Woods) include:
First place in each category – $50 gift card to Milford Photo
Second place in each category – $25 gift card to Cabela’s
Third place in each category – $15 gift card to Cabela’s
First, second, and third place also receive ribbons and a one-year subscription to Connecticut Wildlife magazine.
People’s Choice Award – A copy of Macrophotography, Techniques for Exploring the Natural World by Ecologist and Conservation Biologist Dennis Quinn of Connecticut.
Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook