Press Releases
05/21/2025
DEEP Announces Alcohol Ban for Nine Recreation Areas
Measure to Ensure Safety, Curtail Trespass, and Reduce Illegal Activity
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has imposed a temporary alcohol ban for nine state recreation areas. This ban is in effect from Wednesday, May 21, through Monday, August 18, at the following locations:
- Beach Pond State Boat Launch, Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
- Billings Lake State Boat Launch, North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
- Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem
- Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
- Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck, Oxford, and Beacon Falls, to include the areas commonly known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, #2, #3, and #4 and the lands immediately surrounding the reservoirs
- Paugussett State Forest (upper section) and George Waldo State Park, Southbury
- Quaddick State Park, Thompson
- Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown and Middlefield
- Pattaconk Recreation Area, Chester
In recent summers, these locations have experienced increased crowds and alcohol consumption, which led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass, and complaints by other visitors and the surrounding communities.
A temporary alcohol ban provides DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police with an enforcement tool to dissuade inappropriate use of the Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Boat Launches and has been an effective approach to make these areas safe and enjoyable for all.
“Enacting this measure will help ensure the safety of others and promote an atmosphere in our Connecticut State Parks and Forests which is enjoyable and meaningful to residents of all ages,” said Katie Dykes, DEEP Commissioner.
About CT State Parks:
Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers that provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of, the state’s historic, cultural and natural resources. Connecticut has 117 state boat launches, 110 state parks and 32 state forests attracting around 17 million visitors each year, generating over $1 billion in economic activity for the state and supporting 9,000 private sector jobs. Those driving Connecticut registered motor vehicles are provided free entrance to the parks thanks to the Passport to the Parks program. For more information on Connecticut State Parks visit: Connecticut State Parks and Forests (ctparks.com)
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110