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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07/28/2022

DEEP Announces Upcoming No Child Left Inside Family Outdoor Discovery Days July 30 and August 6

FREE Family Events, No Registration Necessary!

(HARTFORD, CT) –TheConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection(DEEP)State Parks Division is thrilled to announce two FREE family events sponsored by theNo Child Left Inside®(NCLI)Program with a Boating Day event happening Saturday, July 30 and a Saltwater Fishing Day event happening Saturday August 6!

“Summertime is a perfect time for families to explore Connecticut’s state parks together and build special memories,”said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes.  "Fun, outdoor recreational activities like boating and fishing can help build the next generation of environmental stewards. We hope you’ll consider joining dedicated DEEP staff the next few weekends to learn about fun and safe ways to experience the outdoors this summer, in two of your State Parks!”

July 30, 2022:NCLI and DEEP Boating will be hosting a Boating Day at Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, CT on Saturday July 30,2022from 9 am to 3 pm.Learn about paddlinglife jackets, boating safety, preparing a float plan; then take the opportunity to bring a canoe out on the water. Come see boating displays, participate in boating activities and games, arts & crafts and more!The Ice Cream truck will also be visiting the event so remember to bring money for an ice-cold treat.  

August 6, 2022:NCLI andDEEP Fisheries/CARE will be hosting a Saltwater Fishing Day at Fort Trumbull State Park-Fishing Pier, New London on Saturday August 6,2022from 10 am to 3 pm.  August 6this also the second “Free” Fishing License Day for 2022 where anyone, resident or non-resident,16 years of age or older can obtain a free one-day fishing license – good for both inland and saltwater fishing areas – through the DEEP online sportsmen licensing system or at any venue that sells fishing licenses.  Combining the annual Saltwater Fishing Day with Free Fishing License Day provides families the opportunity to plan an outing focused on fishing together.  Those who are 15 or younger do not need a fishing license but can use the same on-line system to obtain a “Youth Fishing Passport.”  Saltwater Fishing Day is a good way to check off several species on the “Fishing Challenge Scorecard,” a year-long fishing checklist where young anglers can keep track of the different types of fish they catch.

Families planning to attend are asked todress for the weather (rain or shine),bring sunscreen and bug spray, pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water.  NCLI will provide materials needed to enjoy a day of Boating (education, activities, life jacket and canoe, etc.)and a day ofSaltwater Fishing off the fishing pier(poles, bait and instructors, etc.).Registration is not requiredfor either of the Family Outdoor Discovery Days.

Check out DEEP’s listings of Lakes & Ponds, Rivers & Streams, and Coastal Access points in the Digital Fishing Guide or call (860) 424-FISH(3474). Anglers can also find fishing regulations in theConnecticut Angler’s Guide.

For more information, please follow the DEEP State Parks Instagram Pageand DEEP State Parks Facebook Page. For questions about either of the upcoming events, please email DEEP.NoChildLeftInside@ct.gov.  

#CTStateParks, #NCLI2022

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
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Contact

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