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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10/02/2024

Connecticut Greenways Council Presents the 6th CT Trails Symposium

Trail Toolbox: Sharing Tips, Tools, and Triumphs on Connecticut’s Trails and Beyond

(Hartford)--The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the legislatively appointed Connecticut Greenways Council, in partnership with Manchester Community College are hosting the sixth annual Connecticut Trails Symposium for local, state, and regional officials, property owners, managers, and volunteers on October 4, 2024.

This annual event is just one of the ways the Council highlights and showcases how communities can gather, plan, recreate, and support Connecticut’s statewide trail systems.

“Educating and sharing experiences between organizations and volunteers who partner with DEEP to plan, develop, and maintain trail systems in Connecticut is essential,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Greenways and the trails provide easy access for all people to enjoy the outdoors and provide immeasurable mental and physical health benefits to Connecticut residents. I commend the great work of the Connecticut Greenways Council on their efforts to preserve and raise awareness about these open spaces."

This year’s symposium theme is “Trail Toolbox: Sharing Tips, Tools, and Triumphs on Connecticut’s Trails and Beyond” which will offer sessions that provide tools, tips, and examples attendees can add to their trail “toolbox” to help plan for, design, build, and maintain various types of trails throughout the State.

Sessions will include:

  • Innovative finance strategies for regional multiuse trail design.
  • Panel discussion on Building Community and Collaboration Among Trail User Groups
  • Exploring the Indigenous History of the New England Trail
  • Reviewing the patterns in trail use and public access to manager approved trails information through the UConn Connecticut Trails Program.

After the event, enjoy an easy hike or a bike ride with BikeWalk Bolton and the Hop River Trail Alliance

Further event details and on-line event registration is now open and can be accessed through the CT Trails website: 

https://cttrails.uconn.edu/symposium/

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

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