Press Releases
05/13/2025
DEEP Acquires 643 Acres in Killingly for New Wildlife Management Area
Acquisition Protects a Diverse Ecosystem and Preserves Critical Wildlife Habitats
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that it acquired 642.9 acres of important wildlife habitat and wetlands at 520 Bailey Hill Road, in Killingly, Connecticut with the intent to establish a new Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This significant land purchase marks a major step forward in conserving Connecticut’s natural heritage and expanding passive recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
The creation of this new Wildlife Management Area underscores DEEP’s commitment to protecting Connecticut’s diverse ecosystems and preserving critical habitats for wildlife. The property’s varied landscape, encompassing forests, wetlands, and four lakes ranging in size from 7 to 41 acres, supports a rich array of plant and animal species. By safeguarding this land, DEEP helps ensure protection of water quality, preservation of biodiversity, and natural carbon sequestration that mitigates the impacts of our changing climate. The lakes and surrounding wetlands play a vital role in maintaining healthy watersheds, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
“This acquisition is a landmark achievement for environmental conservation in Connecticut,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The new wildlife management area will not only protect vital ecosystems and water resources but also provide a serene space for the public to connect with nature through activities like wildlife watching and fishing. We are proud to preserve this land for future generations.”
The property acquisition was made possible through a combination of state and federal funding, with a grant made available through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, which is administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Conservation Investment. The federal aid program was initiated in the late 1930s through the Pittman-Robertson Act by hunters and conservationists to provide states with funding for wildlife and habitat management, research, land acquisition, and hunter education programs.
Wildlife Management Areas are undeveloped natural areas managed primarily by the DEEP Wildlife Division for the conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife. WMAs feature unique or outstanding habitats and are managed by DEEP with the intent to sustain or improve these features. The new WMA in Killingly, just like the other 100+ WMAs found throughout the state, will offer a range of passive recreational opportunities, allowing the public to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can enjoy scenic areas, opportunities for wildlife observation, and fishing in the lakes, all while experiencing the tranquility of this secluded landscape. The site will be managed to balance public access with the main goal of protecting sensitive ecological areas, ensuring that permissible recreational uses are compatible with long-term conservation goals.
The new wildlife management area will be open to the public in the coming months, following the completion of initial management planning. DEEP encourages residents to stay tuned to the DEEP website, the DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources’ Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife), or sign-up for the monthly electronic newsletter Wildlife Highlights for updates on when they can explore this remarkable addition to Connecticut’s network of protected lands.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110