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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09/24/2020

DEEP to Re-Open Lattins Cove Boat Launch at Half Capacity

Outreach and Monitoring Continues on Candlewood Lake and at Launches


The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that Lattins Cove state boat launch on Candlewood Lake will re-open tomorrow at 50% capacity.

Lattins Cove state boat launch was closed Aug. 26, following an uptick in new COVID-19 infections in Danbury and numerous reports of “rafting” – boats tied-up together in mass gathering – on Candlewood Lake.  The shift in seasonal weather has reduced activity levels on the water, allowing for partial re-opening of access to provide safe outdoor recreation opportunities consistent with COVID-19 prevention guidance.

DEEP, in coordination with DPH and local officials in Danbury, continues to monitor the situation and will maintain increased outreach and monitoring on the lake and at the state boat launches to deter and identify gatherings on the water and at state boat launches.

DEEP recommends that all persons using state boat launch facilities and docks maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members.  Where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn. All persons boating with non-family members should maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members.  On vessels where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn. “Rafting,” where several boats tie up, and large gatherings, are not conducive to appropriate and safe social distancing, and are strongly discouraged. 

For further safe boating information, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Boating-and-Paddling. For the latest information on state boat launch closures, visit the Boating Division’s Twitter handle, @CTBoatingInfo.

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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110