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

News Releases - 2024

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  • 2/21/2024 DEEP Reminds Residents of Best Wood-Burning Practices

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents how to safely limit exposure to smoke when burning wood to heat homes. Residents should protect their health and that of their family, friends, and neighbors by employing “best burn” practices. Properly burning the correct type of wood limits exposure to wood smoke, which is a hazardous air pollutant.

  • 2/5/2024 DEEP Launches 2024 Seasonal Staff Recruitment

  • 1/26/2024 DEEP to Host 18th Annual No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) celebrates the outdoors all year long. The No Child Left Inside® 18th annual Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington is planned for Saturday, February 3. Children and their caregivers are invited to join DEEP for multiple fun, outdoor winter activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • 1/16/2024 DEEP Requests Grant Proposals for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for the State’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant Program. The program makes $500,000 available to reduce impacts of aquatic invasive species on inland waters in Connecticut. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2024.

  • 1/12/2024 Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Awarded $14.6 Million Federal Grant To Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Seven Communities

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection with a $14.6 million grant through its Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to expand Connecticut’s network of electric vehicle charging stations. The program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

  • 1/11/2024 Governor Lamont Announces New Initiative To Promote Outdoor Recreation Economy

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the establishment of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, which seeks to grow Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy by creating partnerships with the private sector. Coinciding with establishing this new office, DEEP is launching a request for information (RFI) as an initial step to expand services and amenities in state parks through partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and other private sector entities.

  • 1/4/2024 DEEP to Allocate $2 Million to Address Tree Canopy Access in Connecticut

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the Urban Forest Equity Grant Program. The new $2 million program is designed to address the lack of tree canopy in disadvantaged communities. The funding comes from the federal Inflation Reduction Act and is administered by the U.S. Forest Service.