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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07/02/2019

DEEP Concludes Seaside State Park RFP Process with No Award

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that it has concluded a Request for Proposal (RFP) process in an effort to identify a private development partner to redevelop four National Register-listed buildings into a State Park Lodge.  The buildings are located at Seaside State Park in Waterford, Connecticut.
Two proposals were received by DEEP in response to the RFP issued in 2018.  Following a time period last fall for evaluation, and the submission of additional information by both parties, DEEP determined that neither proposal sufficiently met the criteria spelled out in the RFP to proceed with an award.
“Although we are disappointed that a development partner was not identified through this process, we remain committed to securing the best possible future for this state park,” said Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner.
In the coming weeks, DEEP and officials from the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Administrative Services will meet with local officials, developers, and others to determine next steps.
In the meantime, the park is open as a place for passive recreation activities including walking, fishing and birdwatching. The buildings on the property remain closed to the public.

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