News Releases

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• 9/8/2022 Bat Appreciation Day to Be Held at Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine Sept. 10

  (HARTFORD)—Join the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for a celebration of bat conservation at the Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event will help raise awareness about the story of one of Connecticut’s most intriguing historical sites and its importance to the conservation of endangered species.

• 9/2/2022 DEEP Urges Caution as Lifeguard Presence in State Parks Will Be Reduced Labor Day Weekend

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminded state park visitors that the number of lifeguards at state park swimming areas will be significantly reduced as the end of the summer swimming season fast approaches.

• 8/31/2022 DEEP Announces Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Dates

  (HARTFORD, CT) –Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for the 2022-2023 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows.

• 8/12/2022 DEEP Alerts Residents and Visitors of Elevated Wildfire Risk this Weekend

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminds residents and visitors that forest fire danger levels are elevated from “High” to “Extreme” throughout Connecticut and are expected to remain elevated throughout the upcoming weekend due to ongoing drought conditions. The danger will remain “High” or above until there is significant rain.

• 8/5/2022 DEEP Announces Emergency Closure to Fishing Near Tributaries to the West Branch Farmington and Farmington Rivers

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that effective August 6, 2022, it is closing short sections of the West Branch Farmington River and the Farmington River to fishing because the hot weather is creating unhealthy water temperatures for trout. DEEP is also augmenting the low release levels on the Farmington with an additional 50 cubic feet per second (CFS) of flow from the DEEP fisheries reserves to improve water conditions for fish health.

• 7/28/2022 DEEP Seeks Community Participation in Annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey

• 7/29/2022 Leave them Alone: DEEP Offers Advice for Snake Encounters

  Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents that snakes are active this time of year and if left alone, snakes pose no threat to people. Snake encounters, whether around the home or along a hiking trail, can be alarming for some people. DEEP is offering advice on what to do during snake encounters and a reminder about how important these reptiles are to the natural world.

• 7/29/2022 Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew Sends Engine Crew to Fight Texas Wildfires

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Four members of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew, acting as an initial attack team, mobilized with an engine Friday morning from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough to fight wildfires in Texas.  

• 7/28/2022 DEEP Announces Upcoming No Child Left Inside Family Outdoor Discovery Days July 30 and August 6

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks Division is thrilled to announce two FREE family events sponsored by the No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Program with a Boating Day event happening Saturday, July 30 and a Saltwater Fishing Day event happening Saturday August 6!

• 7/26/2022 DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Ozone on Wednesday

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting very warm weather on Wednesday, which will contribute to elevated ozone levels across western Connecticut. These levels may approach or exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for parts of Connecticut on July 27, 2022.

• 7/22/2022 DEEP Urges Limited Outdoor Exposure and Water Safety As Heat Wave Continues This Weekend

  (HARTFORD, CT) – With high temperatures continuing this weekend, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) urges all residents and visitors to limit outdoor exertion and prolonged sun exposure, and for anyone considering getting in or on the water this weekend to prioritize water safety.

• 7/19/2022 DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Ozone for Connecticut to Coincide with Heat Wave Beginning this Wednesday

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting high temperatures to reach the mid to upper 90s on Wednesday, which will contribute to elevated ozone levels across coastal Connecticut. These levels may approach or exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for parts of Connecticut on July 20, 2022 and could continue into the rest of the week.

• 7/19/2022 DEEP Announces Availability of $4 Million in VW Settlement Funding For Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

  (HARTFORD)— The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that up to $4 million is being made available for public and private entities to purchase and install light-duty Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). This funding is part of DEEP’s Diesel Emissions Mitigation Program to reduce transportation related air pollution from light duty gasoline and diesel vehicles, funded through a 2018 settlement between the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Volkswagen for violations of the Clean Air Act.

• 7/8/2022 DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Conclude Investigation into Killing of Newtown Bear

  On May 12, 2022, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police and Newtown Police responded to a report of a homeowner that had shot a black bear. Following a comprehensive investigation, and coordination with the Newtown Police Department and the Geographical Area (GA) #3 State’s Attorney's Office in Danbury, officers have concluded their investigation into the killing of the bear known by the DEEP Wildlife Division as bear #217. Based upon the facts of the investigation, the State’s Attorney’s Office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the homeowner, Lawrence Clarke.

• 7/7/2022 DEEP Launches Updated Statewide Energy Efficiency Plan Focused on Decarbonization, Equity, and Affordability

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced its final approval of the 2022-2024 Conservation and Load Management Plan with modifications to transform the way Connecticut invests in energy efficiency while focusing on the following areas: equity, decarbonization, and affordability.