News Releases - 2021

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• 4/6/2021 DEEP Conduct Prescribed Burn Near Summit of Mohawk Mountain

  (Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) plans to conduct a prescribed burn of about 3 acres of brush in Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall, near the summit of Mohawk Mountain, tomorrow, April 7th, weather and conditions permitting.

• 4/23/2021 Learn to Fish with the DEEP CARE Program This Spring/Summer!

  Interested in learning how to fish? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Fisheries Division, through its Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program, is here to help you get into fishing by offering free Introduction to Fishing ZOOM classes and special “fishing field trips” offered through the summer at waterbodies around the state!

• 7/27/2021 Elevated Levels of Fine Particles in Air This Evening Due to Western Wildfires

  (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is issuing an air quality alert for all of Connecticut today, except for Litchfield County. The smoke plume from the western wildfires that passed over Connecticut produced unhealthy fine particle (PM2.5) levels across the entire state yesterday. These fine particles became trapped in the lower atmosphere overnight and have been slow to disperse this morning. DEEP encourages residents to limit outdoor activities today until 11 p.m.

• 9/3/2021 DEEP Urges Caution As Lifeguard Presence in State Parks Will Be Significantly Reduced Labor Day Weekend

  (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminded state park visitors that the number of lifeguards at state park swimming areas will be significantly reduced as the end of the summer swimming season fast approaches.

• 7/16/2021 DEEP Begins Stakeholder Engagement on Bottle Bill Implementation

  (HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking public input on the implementation of new legislation that updates and modernizes Connecticut’s Bottle Bill, and will be holding a public meeting on this process on Monday, August 9 at 2 p.m.

• 8/26/2021 DEEP Commissioner Dykes Celebrates Launch of HRRA Glass Recycling Program

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes, along with Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) Chairman Matthew Knickerbocker, Oak Ridge Waste and Recycling CEO John Decker, and other industry stakeholders, today celebrated the launch of the HRRA’s new glass recycling program.

• 7/28/2021 DEEP Imposes Alcohol Ban for Billings Lake Boat Launch Area

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has enacted a temporary alcohol ban for the state’s Billings Lake Boat Launch area in North Stonington. This ban is in effect immediately and for the next 90 days.

• 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.

• 5/6/2021 DEEP Encourages Residents to Come out for “Free Fishing Day” May 8

  (Hartford)- Fishing is free this Saturday! The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is encouraging residents and families to head out to a local waterbody this Saturday for “Free Fishing Day,” also known as “Family Fishing Day,” a day where no fishing license is required to come out and fish.

• 10/26/2021 $4M Marsh Restoration Project Launches in Stratford

  Stratford, CT (October 25, 2021) – Connecticut’s coastline is getting an exciting refresh: After years of planning and fundraising, ground is being broken at Great Meadows Marsh, a Globally Important Bird Area, and part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. On November 1, construction will officially begin to restore up to 33 acres of salt marsh and other important coastal habitat.

• 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).

• 12/21/2021 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

• 7/8/2021 DEEP Forester to Lead Tree ID Walk in Great Pond State Forest July 10

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Forester Jerry Milne invites members of the public to join him on a tree identification walk in Great Pond State Forest in Simsbury Saturday, July 10, at 10 a.m.

• 3/9/2021 DEEP to Conduct Prescribed Burn in Pachaug State Forest

  (Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) plans to conduct a prescribed burn of 122 acres of forest at Pachaug State Forest tomorrow, March 10th, weather and conditions permitting.

• 2/26/2021 DEEP to Hold Public Information Meeting March 4th Regarding Proposed Improvements to Candlewood Lake State Boat Launch

  Despite the cold winter days, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Boating Division is working to improve the Candlewood Lake State Boat Launch in Squantz Cove on Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield through a comprehensive redesign.