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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07/02/2024

DEEP Adds Naugatuck State Forest to Existing Alcohol Ban for Recreation Areas

Measure to Ensure Safety and Reduce Illegal Activity

(Hartford, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has imposed a temporary alcohol ban for Naugatuck State Forest in addition to seven state recreation areas previously imposed this summer. The ban is in effect from Tuesday, July 2, 2024, through Monday, September 30, 2024, for the following area:

  • Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck, Oxford, and Beacon Falls, to include the areas commonly known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, #2, #3 and #4 and the lands immediately surrounding the reservoirs.

DEEP has previously imposed temporary alcohol bans at the following locations this summer:

  • 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;Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem;
  • Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston;
  • Paugussett State Forest (upper section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury;
  • Quaddick State Park, Thompson; and
  • Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield.

In recent summers, these areas 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.

Temporary alcohol bans have proven to be an effective tool to reduce illegal activity, improve safety, and provide a better park experience for all visitors.
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Contact

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