News Releases - 2026

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8/17/2026 DEEP Re-Issues Alcohol Ban for Ten Recreation Areas
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has imposed a temporary alcohol ban for ten state recreation areas. This ban is in effect from Tuesday, August 18 through Sunday, November 15 at the following locations:
8/14/2026 DEEP Deploys Wildland Fire Crews to Minnesota
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Forestry Division mobilized two crews recently to assist with wildfire suppression efforts on the Bear Trap fire in Minnesota. The group is part of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew (CIFC), which is part of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact.
8/12/2026 DEEP Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prevent Conflicts with Black Bears
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) strongly urges residents to follow best practices and “Be BearWise” to reduce the likelihood of conflicts with black bears and avoid home entries.
8/6/2026 DEEP Seeks Public Comment on Draft Request for Proposals for Farmers’ Markets in Three Connecticut State Parks
(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites the public to comment on a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to operate farmers’ markets in three Connecticut State Parks. This RFP is an exciting next step in DEEP’s Partnership in Parks Initiative. Comments are due August 28, 2026.
8/5/2026 MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP to Hold Bear Safety and Awareness Forum in Warren
(HARTFORD) — Join Wildlife Biologists from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), along with State Representative Karen Reddington-Hughes, and State Senator Stephen Harding, for a Forum on Black Bear Safety and Awareness on August 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM, at Warren Woods, 251 Bricks School Road, Warren.
8/4/2026 DEEP Seeks Qualified Caterers for Connecticut State Parks
(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified full-service catering vendors to provide catering concession services at multiple Connecticut State Park event facilities beginning in 2027.
8/3/2026 DEEP Announces Launch of Laptop ConneCT Program
(HARTFORD, CT) — More Connecticut residents will soon have greater access to technology thanks to an innovative new program from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
7/30/2026 CT Environmental Conservation Police make arrest for possession of venomous snakes
(Hartford, CT) The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) have concluded a lengthy investigation into the illegal possession of venomous snakes. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 49 reptiles and multiple arrests.
7/29/2026 MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP to Welcome Local Firefighters Returning from Fighting Quebec Wildfires
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Forestry Division will welcome back a 6-person wildland firefighting crew who have been assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in Val-d’Or, Quebec, Canada. The crew departed from DEEP’s Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough on July 17th, 2026, and will return there on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
7/28/2026 DEEP Announces Dinosaur State Park Day
(HARTFORD, CT)-The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) welcomes all to celebrate Dinosaur State Park Day (“Dino Day”) on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 to 3:00 at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT. This free, annual event marks the 1966 discovery of the dinosaur footprints with free admission to the visitor center, a full day of science activities, live animals, food trucks with various items for purchase, games, gift shop, and more.
7/27/2026 DEEP Announces Quilt of Honor for Retired EnCon K9 Luna
(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that Luna, a distinguished and recently retired Labrador Retriever and partner with Conservation Officer Alexandra Blackwell, will be recognized with a “K9 Quilt of Honor” for her years of service in environmental conservation law enforcement. The public recognition of her retirement and service record will be hosted at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, CT on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 pm. All are welcome.
7/17/2026 DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Fine Particulate For Saturday, July 18, 2026
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection forecasts that outdoor air quality across the state will reach or exceed levels that are Unhealthy on Saturday, July 18th, due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
7/17/2026 DEEP Deploys Wildland Fire Crew to Support Canadian Wildfire Efforts
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Forestry Division mobilized a 6-person wildland firefighting crew to assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Quebec, Canada.
7/16/2026 DEEP Reminds Boaters to Purchase Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp Ahead of Increased Enforcement
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds boaters to purchase their 2026 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Stamp ahead of enhanced enforcement efforts later this summer. Anyone who operates a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut’s inland waters, including the designated inland waters of the Connecticut, Housatonic and Thames Rivers, is required to purchase an AIS Stamp. The AIS Stamp can be purchased through DEEP’s online Sportsmen Licensing System or wherever fishing licenses are sold. An annual AIS Stamp purchase is required for both Connecticut residents and out-of-state visitors operating a registered vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters.
7/15/2026 DEEP EnCon Police Arrest Man On Charges of Attempted Sexual Assault and Other Charges
(HARTFORD)--On July 13, 2026, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police responded to Kettletown State Park in the Town of Southbury on a report of an assault. Southbury Police Officers also responded to assist in the investigation. Upon arrival, officers arrested Darius Moreno, 23, of Southbury.