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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  • 1/12/2022 DEEP Encourages Residents to Limit Exposure to Air Pollution Caused by Residential Wood Smoke

    (HARTFORD)— With the arrival of frigid temperatures across Connecticut, many residents are turning to wood to heat their homes. But did you know that one old, inefficient wood stove can emit as much air pollution as five dirty, old diesel trucks? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is urging residents to protect their health and that of their family, friends and neighbors by employing “best burn” practices. Properly burning the correct type of wood limits exposure to wood smoke, which is a hazardous air pollutant.

  • 1/6/2022 DEEP Launches 2022 Comprehensive Energy Strategy Scoping Process

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the kickoff of the process to develop the 2022 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES), which will examine future energy needs in the State and identify strategies to reduce costs, ensure reliable provision of energy, incorporate energy equity in the State’s strategies, maintain the state’s economic competitiveness, and reduce the public health and environmental impacts of Connecticut’s energy use.

  • 1/5/2022 DEEP and City of Meriden Announce Food Scrap Co-Collection Pilot Program For 1,000 Households

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the City of Meriden announced today the launch of “Making Meriden Green,” a first-of-its-kind municipal food scrap co-collection pilot program that will demonstrate how waste diversion and reduction solutions can help to address the statewide waste disposal crisis.

  • 12/23/2021 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping and Fishing Guides Available Online

    (HARTFORD)—Connecticut outdoor field guides produced by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) make it easy to find and follow the laws and regulations that apply to hunters, trappers, and anglers. And now, Connecticut's Fishing and Hunting Guidebooks are online in an easy-to-use eBook version. New in 2022, digital formats will allow you to quickly check a regulation, confirm legal hunting hours, check season dates, and more – from anywhere, anytime.

  • 12/22/2021 Connecticut Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes on Jan 1

    (HARTFORD)—What better way to kick off the New Year than by getting a jump start burning off those extra holiday calories in the great outdoors? Get outside walking and hiking on January 1st with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks, its partners and Friends groups, as Connecticut once again takes part in the annual First Day Hikes. These hikes provide a great way to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature. For many it has become a tradition.

  • 12/22/2021 DEEP Announces Award of $12.7 Million in Volkswagen Settlement Funds For 43 New Electric School Buses in Environmental Justice Communities

    (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that the State of Connecticut is making available $12.7 million from the legal settlement in the Volkswagen (VW) Corporation emissions cheating scandal to fund five electric projects in the state, all in environmental justice communities.

  • 12/21/2021 Gov. Lamont, Commissioner Dykes Applaud More Than $77 Million in State Bond Commission funding for DEEP-Related Initiatives

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today received more than $77 million from the State Bond Commission that will fund several key environmental initiatives integral to protecting human health and the environment, as well as energy efficient improvements to state buildings

  • 12/20/2021 New DEEP-Published Book on Amphibians and Reptiles Makes a Great Holiday Gift

    (HARTFORD)—Looking for a great holiday gift for a wildlife enthusiast on your list, while also contributing to a great cause? Consider purchasing Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles in Connecticut, a book recently published by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

  • 12/13/2021 DEEP Advises Residents To Be Responsible and Respectful When Observing Wildlife in Winter

    (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents that winter can be a stressful time for wildlife, especially for migrating and overwintering birds, including the ever-popular snowy owl.

  • 12/8/2021 DEEP Announces Availability of Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds and Rivers

    (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce the availability of funding for projects to reduce impacts of aquatic invasive species on inland waters of Connecticut.

  • 12/7/2021 DEEP Announces Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program Opportunities

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the Beverage Container Recycling (a.k.a. Bottle Bill) Grant Program opportunities. The grant program will support the establishment of beverage container redemption centers in urban centers and environmental justice communities to help provide convenient and reliable access for container redemption to all Connecticut residents.

  • 12/3/2021 DEEP 2021 Fall Atlantic Salmon Stockings Nearing Completion

    (HARTFORD)— Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is nearing completion of its 2021 fall stockings of Atlantic salmon. DEEP’s Fisheries Division began stocking Atlantic salmon in early October, and nearly 1,400 salmon have been released so far with close to 150 left to stock.

  • 11/29/2021 DEEP Announces New Proposed Regulations For Whelk Horseshoe Crab Lobster and Striped Bass

  • 11/29/2021 DEEP Announces New Proposed Regulations For Whelk, Horseshoe Crab, Lobster, and Striped Bass

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced intent to modify regulations governing fisheries for whelk, horseshoe crab, lobster, and striped bass. The proposed regulatory changes are intended to address the depleted state of these ecologically and economically important species in Long Island Sound.

  • 11/29/2021 MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP To Stock Atlantic Salmon in Shetucket River Dec. 3

    (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Fisheries Division is nearing completion of its 2021 fall stockings of Atlantic salmon, and will be stocking Atlantic Salmon in the Shetucket River on Friday, December 3rd at 10:45 a.m