DEEP Announces Alcohol Ban for Ten Recreation Areas

Measure to Promote Safety and Reduce Illegal Activity

(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 Wednesday, May 20, through Monday, August 17, at the following locations:

Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem
Paugusset State Forest (Upper Section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
Quaddick State Park, Thompson
Beach Pond Boat Launch, Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest, bordered by Beach Pond Boat Launch to the west, private property, held in trust, to the east, and Beach Pond to the south, to an area 500 yards from shore
Billings Lake Boat Launch, North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest, bordered by the Billings Lake Boat Launch to the east, private property to the west, north along the private property, then west to private property, then south to the shore of Billings Lake and east along the shore to the Billings Lake Boat Launch
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
Pattaconk Recreation Area (Cockaponset State Forest), Chester
A section of Rocky Neck State Park, including the area south of the train tracks, west of the beach area and bound by Long Island Sound to the south and western border of the park, not including the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion.

Seasonal bans have been enacted in these locations due to increased crowding and alcohol consumption, which have contributed to misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespassing, and complaints from visitors and surrounding communities.

A section of Rocky Neck State Park has been newly added to this season’s 90-day ban. Alcohol is banned in the area described above, which is directly adjacent to the beach, where alcohol use is already prohibited. This ban does not include the entire park – the campground and Ellie Mitchell Pavilion, a popular wedding and event venue, are excluded from the 90-day ban.

“Connecticut’s state parks, forests, and boat launches are places where everyone, including families and children, should feel welcome, safe, and able to enjoy the outdoors,” said Katie Dykes, DEEP Commissioner. “These temporary alcohol bans support DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police and State Parks staff in maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all visitors.”

About CT State Parks:

Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers that provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of, the state’s historic, cultural and natural resources. Connecticut has 117 state boat launches, 110 state parks and 32 state forests attracting around 15 million visitors each year, generating over $1 billion in economic activity for the state and supporting 9,000 private sector jobs. Those driving Connecticut registered motor vehicles are provided free entrance to the parks thanks to the Passport to the Parks program. For more information on Connecticut State Parks visit: Connecticut State Parks and Forests (ctparks.com).

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Contact

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

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