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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06/08/2023

DEEP Re-imposes Alcohol Ban for Seven Recreation Areas

Measure necessary to ensure safety, curtail trespass and illegal activity

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has re-imposed temporary alcohol bans for seven state recreation areas. These bans are in effect from Friday, June 9, through Wednesday, September 6, at the following locations:

  • Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem
  • Paugussett State Forest (upper section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
  • Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
  • Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
  • Quaddick State Park, Thompson
  • Beach Pond State Boat Launch, Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
  • Billings Lake State Boat Launch, North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest

“Connecticut’s state parks, forests, and boat launches should be peaceful and family-oriented places where visitors can feel welcome and safe while enjoying the outdoors,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “This measure, combined with continued supervision and education by DEEP staff and law enforcement officers, will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to these public spaces by citizens of all ages.”

In recent summers, these locations have experienced increased crowds and alcohol consumption, which led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass, and complaints by other visitors and the surrounding communities. Park visitors are reminded that these locations are in addition to areas where alcohol is prohibited by current regulations. The full list of such areas can be found on DEEP’s website.

A temporary alcohol ban provides DEEP’s law enforcement officers with a tool to dissuade inappropriate use of the state outdoor recreation areas and has been an effective approach to reduce negative behaviors and make state parks, forests, and boat launches safe and enjoyable for all.

Connecticut’s Outdoor Recreation Options

Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests, which include 14 campgrounds, 23 designated swimming areas, thousands of miles of trails, and hundreds of thousands of acres to enjoy. All the state parks are administered by DEEP. The state parks offer opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking, among many other outdoor activities. A directory of every state park in Connecticut can be found online by visiting ct.gov/deep/stateparks.

Connecticut also manages 117 boat launches across the state on ponds, lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound. Information on these facilities can be found online by visiting portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Boating-and-Paddling.
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Contact

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