Connecticut will close campsites at three state parks soon after July 4 and reduce lifeguard coverage at other parks in an effort to reduce operating costs.
The campsites at Devil's Hopyard in East Haddam, Salt Rock in Baltic and Greens Falls in Voluntown will be closing, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
DEEP will also adjust lifeguard schedules at state park beaches. Lifeguards at Hammonasset, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island and Silver Sands will be on duty five days per week, rather than seven days. The lifeguards will be at those beaches, Wednesday through Sunday, according to DEEP.
Inland parks -- Black Rock, Burr Pond, Indian Well and Squantz Pond will have lifeguard coverage between three and five days per week, including weekends. In the past, lifeguards have been on duty at these beaches seven days per week.
The reductions will cut operating costs by about $1.8 million, according to DEEP.
"Our plan is designed to reduce expenses while providing the highest quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the public and ensuring public safety," DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said Friday in a statement.
Hours will also be reduced at Dinosaur State Park, Gillette Castle, Heublien Tower and Putnam Memorial State Park.
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Maintenance at some parks will be reduced as well, DEEP said.
