News Releases

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• 7/17/2020 DEEP Opening Eight Inland Swim Areas and Seaside State Park

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will open inland swimming areas at eight state parks and will also re-open Seaside State Park and the marsh boardwalk at Silver Sands State Park tomorrow.

• 2/24/2020 EnCon Police Respond to Ice-Related Incidents at Two State Parks on Feb. 23

  EnCon Police responded to two ice-related incidents at Connecticut State Parks on Sunday, February 23. DEEP reminds the public that ice is never 100 percent safe and to use caution.

• 3/27/2020 Connecticut Single Use Plastic Bag Fee Temporarily Suspended

  In light of recent concerns raised by retail employees over potential exposure to the novel coronavirus by handling reusable shopping bags, Gov. Ned Lamont is temporarily suspending the state’s ten-cent fee on plastic bags, and allowing retail employees the opportunity to decline to bag for customers who bring in reusable bags.

• 5/1/2020 More Daily Park Closures Expected This Weekend Ahead of Warm Weather

  With nice weather forecast for this weekend, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) anticipates several state parks will reach capacity and be closed for the day, as has been the case on nice weather days over the last several weeks, particularly on weekends. It’s important to note that such closures are temporary, and parks closed in this fashion can be expected to re-open the following day.

• 7/24/2020 DEEP Forecasts Elevated Levels of Ozone for Western and Coastal Connecticut Over July 25th Weekend

  Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting several days of very warm weather, which will contribute to elevated ozone levels across parts of Connecticut. These levels may approach or exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for Coastal Connecticut, on Sunday, July 26, 2020, and Monday July 27, 2020. The impacted area for both days includes all coastal towns extending from Greenwich to Stonington.

• 7/27/2020 DMHAS and DEEP Announce Series of Wellness Activities in State Parks

  Southbury, CT – The Connecticut Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), in collaboration with local-nonprofit Toivo, are excited to announce a series of mindful outdoor experiences in local and state parks. DMHAS Commissioner Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon and DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will participate in the first virtual wellness event at Kettletown State Park in Southbury on Monday August 10th, 2020 at 10am.

• 4/23/2020 DEEP Launches Celebration of Arbor Day Online and at Home

  Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April to highlight trees and all of the great things that trees do. This year, Arbor Day is Friday, April 24.

• 5/11/2020 Wild Orphans -To Rescue or Not

  Spring and summer are busy times for people and animals. Many animals are setting up territories, building nests, or finding den sites to give birth and raise their young. At the same time, people are spending more time outdoors and the chances are greater that someone may come across a young bird or mammal that may appear to be orphaned or injured. It is normal for many animals to leave their young alone for long periods of time, so your help may not be needed. In all likelihood, the adult is nearby watching and waiting to return.

• 8/31/2020 Bat Appreciation Days at Old New Gate Prison and Copper Mine Virtual Events

  Join the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division and Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for a celebration of bat conservation during a virtual event to be held from August 31 through September 4, 2020.

• 7/24/2020 DEEP and Other Local Firefighters Deploy to Fight California Wildfires

  Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Forest Protection Staff are preparing a 10-person group of trained wildland firefighters to assist the U.S. Forest Service in fighting wildfires in the western United States, following receipt of a request for national wildfire response this morning.

• 9/4/2020 Connecticut Sends Second Group of Firefighters This Season to Fight California Wildfires

  Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Forest Protection Staff have prepared and deployed a second group of trained wildland firefighters to assist the U.S. Forest Service in fighting wildfires in California, following receipt of a request for national wildfire response.

• 4/1/2020 State Parks to Reduce Visitor Capacity During COVID-19 Pandemic

  Connecticut is announcing stricter measures to support safe, solitary enjoyment of outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 8/26/2020 DEEP and Municipal Leaders Announce Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management to Pursue Waste Reduction Strategies

  Today, 65 Connecticut cities and towns and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released a statement committing to work together as part of a Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management (CCSMM), a joint effort between DEEP and municipalities across the state to collectively pursue improved waste reduction strategies.

• 2/10/2020 RecycleCT Foundation Awards More Than $17,000 in Grants to 16 Connecticut Schools

  The RecycleCT Foundation has awarded more than $17,000 in grants to 16 Connecticut schools as part of the RecycleCT School Grant program and in support of its mission to promote the importance of recycling and to encourage people, government, businesses and organizations to adopt recycling as part of their lives and every day operations.

• 1/30/2020 DEEP Hosts 14th Annual No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival

  Grab your winter gear, bundle up and join us for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) No Child Left Inside® 14th annual Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington.