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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07/08/2021

DEEP Forester to Lead Tree ID Walk in Great Pond State Forest July 10

Recent Forest Management Activities Have Regenerated a Wide Variety of Trees and Shrubs that Visitors will Learn to Identify by Sight and Smell

 

(HARTFORD)—Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Forester Jerry Milne invites members of the public to join him on a tree identification walk in Great Pond State Forest in Simsbury Saturday, July 10, at 10 a.m.

The 296-acre forest was donated to the State of Connecticut by James Goodwin in 1967 to be managed for the sustainable growth and harvest of wood products. Recent forest management activities there have regenerated a wide variety of trees and shrubs that visitors will learn to identify by sight and smell.

There are 33 State Forests totaling about 175,000 acres in Connecticut. They are managed by the DEEP Division of Forestry. The Division of Forestry seeks to develop a vigorous, resilient, forest environment capable of sustaining the wide range of demands that the public places on these lands. These demands include a variety of recreational experiences, natural diversity (including threatened and endangered species), the preservation of unique sites (both geologic and archaeological), the provision of raw materials as forest products, and the maintenance of wildlife and fisheries habitats. The Division’s professional foresters work to ensure that these forests remain healthy and vigorous while serving the needs of the citizens of Connecticut.

The walk will take about an hour and is on level terrain. The forest is located at 174 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. Follow the driveway to the parking area.

For more information, call Jerry Milne at 860-604-4473.

The regenerated trees and shrubs in Great Pond State Forest are a result of the implementation of the 10-year Massacoe State Forest Management Plan, which supports statewide goals set forth in the Connecticut Forest Action Plan.

 

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