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

Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles in Connecticut

Herpetology Book Cover

Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles in Connecticut, a book recently published by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), provides a new twist on the traditional atlas-style update on reptiles and amphibians. It takes conservation efforts beyond the recovery of any one species, providing a broader understanding of key conservation challenges and exploring ways we can begin to address – and hopefully resolve – the decline in many groups of reptiles and amphibians. By purchasing this book, you are also contributing to the conservation of the very species you will be learning about, as all proceeds from the sale of this publication go toward the conservation of Connecticut’s reptiles and amphibians.

The 305-page book includes detailed text, 131 color photos, species account maps, and conservation solutions for the complex challenges faced by Connecticut’s amphibians and reptiles. While it serves as a companion publication to Amphibians and Reptiles of Connecticut and Adjacent Regions, written by Michael W. Klemens (Bulletin 112 published by CT DEEP; 1993), this book takes an in-depth look at hidden ecological impacts of human actions. The authors of the new book, Michael W. Klemens, Hank J. Gruner, Dennis P. Quinn, and Eric R. Davison, seek to help the reader understand the conservation challenges faced by amphibian and reptile species and also create better approaches to conservation in the future. These concepts apply far beyond the borders of Connecticut and can inform conservation actions anywhere.

The book is currently available for purchase (by check or cash only) for $58.44 (this price includes $3.94 in state taxes) at the CT DEEP Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, 341 Milford Street (Route 69; directions), in Burlington, Connecticut. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (860-424-3011). The book can also be purchased online with a credit card at the CT DEEP Bookstore.

Content last updated in October 2024.