Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

News Releases - 2026

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  • 4/16/2026 DEEP Announces 2026 Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge: “America’s 250th”

    (HARTFORD) — Looking for a new outdoor adventure this year or want to learn more about American history in your local State Park or Forest? Mark your calendars — the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s 2026 Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge will officially begin on April 16, 2026! Whether you choose to hike on your own, with family and friends, or bring your leashed pet along for the journey, this annual challenge is the perfect way to get your steps in, discover stories of the past, and connect with your community through a new lens!

  • 4/14/2026 DEEP Prepares for Spring Season at State Parks

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is in the midst of Spring preparations taking place at Connecticut State Parks and Forests. As warmer weather and longer days approach, visitation traditionally increases across the state’s outdoor recreation areas.

  • 4/9/2026 Hands Off - Young Wildlife Should Be Left Alone

    (HARTFORD) — As spring and summer bring more people outdoors, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents that this is also a busy time for wildlife and that many young animals found alone are not abandoned and should be left undisturbed.

  • 4/9/2026 DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Make Arrest In Sex Assault Case

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that the DEEP Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) have arrested John Bradley, 46, of Danielson, in connection with a sexual assault case that occurred in Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret.

  • 4/8/2026 Georgia Man Identified as Victim of Fall at Sleeping Giant State Park

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has identified the person who died after falling in Sleeping Giant State Park on Monday, April 6, as William Gatch, age 23, of Statesboro, GA.

  • 4/7/2026 DEEP Reminds Residents and Visitors to Exercise Caution During Spring Wildfire Season

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents and visitors that the typical spring wildfire season in Connecticut begins in mid-March and lasts until leaf-out, usually in early May. During this period, dry weather and windy conditions, combined with increased sunlight reaching and warming the forest floor, can increase the likelihood of wildfire.

  • 4/7/2026 Governor Lamont Announces $15 Million in Available Funding To Support Clean Air Projects

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut is making available $15 million dollars from the national legal settlement in the Volkswagen (VW) Corporation emissions cheating scandal to fund clean air projects in the state.

  • 4/6/2026 DEEP Invites You to Celebrate Spring Fishing Day on April 11

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites residents and families to participate in Spring Fishing Day on Saturday, April 11. As part of the celebration, DEEP will host public trout stocking events across Connecticut, giving families and young anglers a unique opportunity to work alongside DEEP staff releasing fish into waterbodies statewide.

  • 4/2/2026 DEEP Launches Cold Water Safety Campaign

    (HARTFORD) – After such a long and cold winter, Connecticut’s boaters will be excited to cast off at the first signs of spring and enjoy time on the water. While early spring warm temperatures motivate boaters to get out on lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound, it is important to remember that even though the air may be warm, water temperatures will remain dangerously cold for much of the spring. Regardless of vessel type or waterbody, an unexpected fall into the water can quickly become very serious.

  • 4/2/2026 DEEP Announces Receipt of Wood Innovation Grants

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced it has received two competitive Wood Innovation Grants totaling $750,000 through the United States Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant Program. The grants will support initiatives that strengthen Connecticut’s forest products industry while promoting responsible forest management.

  • 4/1/2026 DEEP Reminds Residents to Be Bear Aware as Bears Increase Activity in the Spring

    (HARTFORD)— As black bear activity increases in the spring following winter denning season, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) warns residents to be “bear aware” and to do what they can to protect both their communities and bears by preventing human-bear conflicts. Now that bears are up and about, simple steps to avoid feeding bears--such as taking down birdfeeders--will reduce the likelihood of conflicts that can lead to potential harm for both people and bears.

  • 3/31/2026 New England Governors Announce Commitment To Explore Advanced Nuclear Energy

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the governors of all six New England states have issued a joint statement outlining their regional commitment to exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies while continuing to support the safe, affordable, and reliable operation of the region’s existing nuclear facilities.

  • 3/30/2026 DEEP Study Offers Recommendations to Improve and Streamline the Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) Program

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has released a study to improve its Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) Program identifying strategies to improve the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of endangered species impact reviews required for DEEP permitting. A public meeting later this spring will give stakeholders and interested members of the public an opportunity to learn about the findings and provide input on next steps to improve the NDDB program. Stakeholders and individuals interested in participating may sign up here to receive more information regarding the format and schedule of the meeting.

  • 3/26/2026 DEEP Issues RFP for Food and Beverage Concession Services at Gillette Castle State Park

    (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified food and beverage concessionaire to operate the concession building at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam.

  • 3/24/2026 DEEP to Host CT Outdoor Recreation Day at State Capitol April 30th

    (HARTFORD, CT) — The Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences will host an inaugural Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Day featuring Connecticut-based outdoor industries, retailers, guides, and recreation groups on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the North Lobby of the State Capitol in Hartford.