Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

News Releases

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  • 5/23/2022 Turtles and Roads Are a Deadly Combination

    Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents to be on the lookout for turtles crossing roads. May through July is the nesting season for many turtles. At this time, egg-bearing females travel across land, and sometimes roads, to find the perfect location to dig a nest and lay eggs. Aquatic turtles also leave the water in search of terrestrial nesting sites.

  • 5/20/2022 DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Ozone for CT for Saturday May 21

    (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting several days of very warm weather, which will contribute to elevated ozone levels across much of Connecticut. These levels may approach or exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for parts of Connecticut on May 21, 2022.

  • 5/20/2022 DEEP Urges Water Safety Ahead of Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected This Weekend

    (HARTFORD, CT) – With record-breaking temperatures this weekend, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) urges all residents and visitors getting in or on the water this weekend to prioritize water safety.

  • 5/16/2022 CAES and DEEP Anticipate Heavy Spongy Moth* Defoliation in Litchfield County this Spring

    New Haven, CT - Connecticut’s Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) are cautioning residences in northern portions of Litchfield County to anticipate a heavy presence of spongy moth (formerly named gypsy moth) caterpillars this spring along with significant defoliation of hardwood trees. Spongy moth populations rose substantially in 2021 particularly in the Sharon-Cornwall area last year, and spongy moth caterpillars have begun to emerge.

  • 5/6/2022 Osborne Homestead Museum Reopens May 7th For 38th Season

    (HARTFORD)– The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby will reopen for its 38th season on Saturday, May 7th, 2022.

  • 5/5/2022 2022 No Child Left Inside Great Park Pursuit Kicks Off May 7 at Osbornedale State Park

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is thrilled to announce that the 2022 Great Park Pursuit kicks off this Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Osbornedale State Park in Derby with trout stocking for the kids, fishing for all (with equipment and bait for loan), and a variety of other family friendly activities.

  • 4/27/2022 Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch To Temporarily Close May 2-6

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that the Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch in Old Saybrook will temporarily close for renovations effective May 2, 2022 through May 6, 2022.

  • 4/25/2022 2022 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 27

    (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding hunters and other outdoor users that the 42nd Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 27 through May 28. All hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to recreate responsibly as more people are using public lands where hunting may be occurring.

  • 4/21/2022 DEEP Actively Seeking Lifeguards for 2022 Summer Season

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Leadership. Responsibility. Camaraderie. Fitness. Fun. Life skills and friendships to last a lifetime and important resume-building qualities attractive to any future employer. Increased starting salary and paid training and certifications. These are just some of the opportunities that await those who are interested in becoming lifeguards with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s State Parks Division!

  • 4/8/2022 Connecticut DPH Issues Advisory For Fish Caught In The Hockanum River

    HARTFORD, Conn.--The Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection today are issuing a consumption advisory for fish caught in the Hockanum River. This consumption advisory is based on elevated levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in fish tissue samples collected from the Hockanum River in Vernon.

  • 4/6/2022 DEEP Encourages Residents to Celebrate Spring Fishing Day April 9

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) encourages residents to get out and celebrate “Spring Fishing Day” this Saturday, April 9, by going fishing or joining the DEEP Fisheries Division at a fish stocking event happening at selected Trout Parks around the state.

  • 3/29/2022 DEEP Resumes Non-Resident Fee Collection at Certain State Parks

    (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), is resuming its remote non-resident parking fee system at some state parks beginning Friday, April 1st, and will resume in-person non-resident parking fee collection at several state parks beginning Memorial Day Weekend.

  • 3/29/2022 Ongoing Multi-Agency Response to Putnam Oil Spill

    (HARTFORD)— A multi-agency response and investigation into an oil spill in Putnam that was reported on March 21 remains ongoing.

  • 3/24/2022 DEEP Reminds Residents To Be Bear Aware

    (HARTFORD)—Early spring is the time of year in which black bear activity increases as bears come out of their winter period of rest. As such, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents to take steps to reduce encounters and potential conflicts with bears.

  • 3/21/2022 DEEP Announces 2022 Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge

    (HARTFORD)— Are you ready for an outdoor adventure exploring CT State Parks? Curious to discover some best kept secrets and build your awareness of CT’s history, nature, or landscapes? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) State Parks and Public Outreach Division is thrilled to announce this year’s The Sky’s The Limit (“STL”) Hiking Challenge!