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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07/05/2019

Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police to Launch Operation Dry Water

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) will be increasing their on-water enforcement targeting boaters under the influence as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign taking place July 5 - July 7.  This nationwide event is coordinated with other recreational boating safety partners including the U.S. Coast Guard and state and local law enforcement agencies.  Increased patrols will occur on Long Island Sound as well as Connecticut’s lakes, ponds, and rivers over the holiday weekend.
The priority during this holiday weekend is to provide boaters with a safe and enjoyable experience by removing impaired boaters from the waterways.  The goal of the Operation Dry Water campaign is to heighten awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence and provide a more visible presence to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities. The campaign targets the Independence Day holiday weekend known for its fatal boating accidents due to alcohol use.
                                  
Connecticut EnCon Police reminds boaters that boating under the influence is against the law.  Operating a vessel, including kayaks, canoes and standup paddle boards, under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Connecticut, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher - the same as operating a motor vehicle.

“Alcohol is a major contributing factor to recreational boating accidents and is the leading contributing cause in recreational boating deaths,” said Eric Lundin, Captain, EnCon Police.  “It is our responsibility to do all we can to ensure the safety of recreational boaters and paddlers on Connecticut’s waterways.”
Visit operationdrywater.org or ct.gov/deep for more information about boating under the influence.
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