The ban is in effect at the nine locations from next Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 16. DEEP officials say it will increase safety and reduce criminal activity.
HARTFORD, Conn. — A temporary alcohol ban has been issued at nine Connecticut recreation areas beginning next Tuesday.
The ban will be in effect through Sunday, Nov. 16, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or DEEP.
DEEP officials say the ban is meant to ensure safety, curb trespassing and lessen criminal activities at each site.
RELATED: Temporary alcohol ban in effect for 9 Connecticut recreation areas
The alcohol ban will affect the following locations:
-Beach Pond State Boat Launch in Voluntown, including part of the Pachaug State Forest
-Billings Lake State Boat Launch in North Stonington, including a section of Pachaug State Forest
-Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch in Salem
-Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston
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-Naugatuck State Forest in Naugatuck, Oxford and Beacon Falls to include the areas known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, #2, #3 and #4 as well as the land immediately surrounding the reservoir
-George Waldo State Park and the upper section of Paugussett State Forest in Southbury
-Quaddick State Park in Thompson
-Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Middlefield
-Pattaconk Recreation Area in Chester
More information on the ban
In a release issued Friday, DEEP officials report that these locations have seen increased crowds and experienced a spike in alcohol consumption in recent years, causing a variety of incidents ranging from unruly behavior to property damage, misconduct and trespassing.
In May, a temporary alcohol ban was issued at the recreation areas, providing DEEP’s Environmental Conservation, or EnCon, Police with a tool to ensure safety at all state parks, forests and boat launches.
RELATED: Connecticut to protect 2,270 acres of open space, create 6 community green spaces
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes further explained why her department is taking this measure.
“DEEP works to ensure that Connecticut’s outdoor recreation areas are peaceful, family friendly places where visitors can feel safe and welcome,” Dykes said. “This temporary alcohol ban, combined with education and enforcement by EnCon officers, will help make state parks, forests and boat launches safe and enjoyable for all.”
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
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