DEEP announces temporary alcohol ban at 10 recreational areas
Beginning May 20, there will be an alcohol ban at 10 state recreation areas. This ban will last until August 17.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that the ban will take place at the following places:
- Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch in Salem
- Paugusset State Forest, upper section/George Waldo State Park in Southbury
- Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown/Middlefield
- Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston
- Quaddick State Park in Thompson
- Beach Pond Boat Launch in Voluntown. This includes a portion of Pachaug State Forest, which is bordered by Beach Pond Boat Launch to the west, private property to the east, and Beach Pond to the south, to an area 500 feet from shore.
- Billings Lake Boat Launch in North Stonington. This includes a portion of Pachaug State Forest that’s bordered by Billings Lake Boat Launch to the east, private property to the west, north along the private property, and then south to the shore of Billings Lake.
- Naugatuck State Forest in Naugatuck, Oxford, and Beacon Falls. This includes areas commonly known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, #2, #3, and #4, along with the lands immediately surrounding the reservoirs.
- Pattaconk Recreation Area inside Cockaponset State Forest in Chester.
- A section of Rocky Neck State Park, which includes the area south of the train tracks, west of the beach area, and bounded by Long Island Sound to the south and the western border of the park. This does not include the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion or the campground.
DEEP said the alcohol ban is due to increased crowding and alcohol consumption, which have led to unruly behavior, property damage, trespassing, and complaints.
“Connecticut’s state parks, forests, and boat launches are places where everyone, including families and children, should feel welcome, safe, and able to enjoy the outdoors,” said Katie Dykes, DEEP Commissioner. “These temporary alcohol bans support DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police and State Parks staff in maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all visitors.”
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