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

Special Use of State Parks and Forests

The use of a Connecticut State Park or Forests which is normally restricted or prohibited, may be authorized by various means, up to and including a Special Use License granted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner. To review the restricted or prohibited uses of a Connecticut State Park or Forest, please refer to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies 23-4 (RCSA §§ 23-4).

Are you interested in a Special Use License, or unsure if your use of a state park or forest requires special authorization? Connect with the Special Use Coordinator via deep.specialuse@ct.gov, or by leaving a message on the phone service via (860) 424-3471.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application fee for a Special Use License Application?

The application fee is regulated through RCSA §§ 23-26-8 and the 2009 Public Act No. 09-3, Section 391. Application fees are non-refundable and must be submitted with any application. An application will not be processed without an application fee.

  • Public Institutions: $0.00
    • This category includes public sector organizations such as federal and state agencies, municipalities, public schools, etc. In general, organizations that rely solely on public funding are not required to pay an application fee.
  • Nonprofit Organizations and Events: $50.00
    • This category includes all legally recognized nonprofit organizations (i.e., organizations having income tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service) or events or fundraisers from which 100% of the net proceeds will be allocated to legally recognized nonprofit organizations. The applicant will be required to certify that the event is being operated on a nonprofit basis.
  • Commercial Organizations and Events: $625.00
    • This category includes for-profit organizations engaged in profitable pursuits (i.e., commercial activity or private gain), and all events or fundraisers from which less than 100% of the net proceeds are allocated to legally recognized nonprofit organizations.
  • Mobile Food Service Facility: $625.00
    • This category is for itinerant food vendors such as Mobile Food Trucks, Mobile Food Carts, Ice Cream Trucks, etc.

What is the deadline to submit a Special Use License Application?

Applications should be submitted and paid for with no less than 45 business days (approximately 60 calendar days) prior to a proposed use. Special Use License Applications are reviewed by multiple departments and agencies and require adequate time to be fully reviewed.

Where can I download a Special Use License Application?

All Special Use requests must be reviewed by the Special Use Coordinator (SUC) prior to receiving an application. This is to prevent any unnecessary work in case there are issues with the requested use, the location, the proposed use dates, or other factors. Please connect with the SUC via deep.specialuse@ct.gov with the following details of your request:

  1. State Park or Forest Location
  2. Date of proposed use
  3. Total number participants & spectators anticipated for the proposed use
  4. Reason for use (mobile food truck, walk-a-thon, 5k, special event, etc,)

 

 

Content Updated August 2024