Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

All-Terrain Vehicle Policy and Procedures

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection policy for All-Terrain Vehicles is detailed in All Terrain Vehicle Policy and Procedures (PDF).

This document is the final version of the DEEP's policy for the development and use of ATVs on state land.  Please note that this policy will only become effective when supporting legislation is passed by the Connecticut General Assembly.

The proposed legislation covers two basic topics - registration and certification of ATVs and riders.  If passed, the legislation would require that all ATVs to be ridden in Connecticut be registered.  The funds generated from registration fees would fund the administrative costs at the Department of Motor Vehicles with the remainder directed to  a special ATV account being established within the DEEP to support the ATV program.  All riders wishing to use trails on state land would need to obtain a certificate, for which a course in safety and riding ethics must be completed.  The process will be similar to that currently in place for personal watercraft.

Please note that, until this policy becomes fully effective, it is still illegal to operate an ATV on state land.  For more information, contact the State Parks Division,  by e-mail at deep.stateparks@ct.gov or by phone at 860-424-3200.


Content Last Updated March 2022