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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09/04/2019

Discover Outdoor Connecticut

At Hammonasset Beach State Park on September 15, from 10 AM to 4 PM

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Bureaus of Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation announce that Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day will be held on Sunday, September 15 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Hammonasset Beach State Park (Meigs Point Area) in Madison. This fun-filled, FREE event explores Connecticut's fish and wildlife resources and legacy of outdoor traditions with a wide-variety of activities for the whole family! Bring a picnic lunch (concessionaire also on site) and stay for a few hours or the entire day.
Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day encompasses activities for all ages, including:
  • Live birds of prey demonstrations by A Place Called Hope and Christine’s Critters
  • Field dog demonstrations by Jennifer Broome of Quinebaug Kennels
  • Display of entries for the Discover Outdoor Connecticut Photo Contest
  • Live reptile program and touch tank
  • Outdoor skills clinics
  • Fly tying and casting
  • Archery range
  • Axe throwing with Blue Ox Axe Throwing
  • Wild game tasting
  • Moose calling demonstrations
  • Guided bird walks
  • Build your own bluebird nest box and tool kit
  • Backyard bass casting
  • A variety of kid’s crafts and activities like animals tracks and paint a duck
  • Free face painting
  • And, more!
Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak firsthand with State Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police officers, DEEP biologists in wildlife, fisheries, and habitat programs, and DEEP staff from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, as well as with representatives from a variety of conservation, hunting, and fishing organizations.
Find more details about Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/DiscoverOutdoorCT. Interested families and out-of-state residents are encouraged to preregister for the event by going to the “Register” link on the website.
Christine's Critters
Photo credit: Paul J. Fusco/CT DEEP-Wildlife
Suggested Caption: Learn about Connecticut raptors and other wildlife at Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day. This FREE event will be held on Sunday, September 15, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
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