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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06/06/2018

DEEP Announces Temporary Closure of a Portion of the Quinnipiac River in New Haven to Hunting

(The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the temporary closure to hunting of the area along the Quinnipiac River in New Haven from the southernmost tip of Fargeorge Preserve (Granis Island) at the mouth of Hemingway Creek, across the river to Lombard Street, north to the I-91 Bridge. This location is contiguous to an area already closed to hunting.
The one-year closure follows a request by New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell for the DEEP to review public safety concerns related to waterfowl hunting in the area, including police responses to reports of gunshots in the vicinity that divert public safety resources and can cause confusion. DEEP has requested hunting-related incidents received by the New Haven Police Department over the past three years. After DEEP receives those reports the agency will conduct a thorough review of the matter and make a recommendation to the Office of the Commissioner for further action.
“Following a request by New Haven Police Chief Campbell, I have issued a temporary closure of a limited area along the Quinnipiac River to hunting,” said DEEP Commissioner Klee. “I have made this decision in the interest of public safety, while also recognizing the importance of hunting in our state. Once DEEP staff complete their review, they will make a recommendation to the Office of the Commissioner for further action regarding this area of the river.” 
DEEP will be posting this area as closed to hunting. Those found hunting in the area will be subject to arrest and could be charged with a Class D Misdemeanor for Illegal Hunting.

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