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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07/26/2024

DEEP’s ParkConneCT Program Offering Free Bus Transportation to No Child Left Inside® Summer Events

Reserve Your Seat – Limited Spaces Available

(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s ParkConneCT program is pleased to offer free bus transportation for two No Child Left Inside events: Dino Day at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill on Saturday, August 3, 2024, and Saltwater Fishing Day at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on Saturday, August 10, 2024. DEEP is offering two pick up locations for each event:

  • North Haven State Street Park & Ride: Bus Transportation for both events will originate at the CTDOT Route 40 @ Devine Street (Exit 1) East lot/B lot. CT Transit Routes 224 and 950 serve the lot directly.
  • East Hartford Main Street Park & Ride: Bus Transportation for both events will originate at the CTDOT Route 5 @ Main Street (Route 15 Exit 30) lot. CT Transit Routes 87 and 95 serve the lot directly.

Participants should plan to be at the pickup location at 8:45 a.m. on the day of their excursion, and buses will leave the State Parks at 1:00 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. arrival in North Haven and East Hartford. This initiative is part of the Lamont Administration and DEEP’s ongoing effort to increase access and remove barriers to help residents enjoy their State Parks and is part of the broader ParkConneCT collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

“We are fortunate to have many unique and wonderful outdoor spaces in our state for residents to recreate in, but we also recognize that there can be challenges getting there,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “These excursions are a fun new way DEEP and our partners at CTDOT are trying to build on the ParkConneCT program and connect you with your State Parks. We hope you’ll sign up for one of these exciting excursions!”

August 3, 2024: Dino Day at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill will have free, fun, and educational outdoor and indoor science activities, games, hikes, live animals, and demonstrations.

August 10, 2024: Saltwater Fishing Day at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London will feature learning to saltwater fish with Connecticut Aquatic Resource Education (CARE). All gear, bait, and instruction will be provided at this free event. The Visitors’ Center and Fort will be open for guests to explore. 

To reserve your seat, please register online. Participants should register early, since seat reservations on the bus are limited and registration will close when seats are filled. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The ParkConneCT program is a collaboration between DEEP and CTDOT. This program aims to provide safe and reliable transportation within a 10-minute walk to Hammonasset Beach, Silver Sands, and Sleeping Giant State Parks. The program continues on weekends through Labor Day weekend. These guided bus excursions to NCLI® program events are an expansion of this program.

To plan your next park adventure on your own, please visit our website.

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Contact

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