Alcohol will be banned at six state parks and forests this summer in an effort to cut down on complaints, property damage and other issues at a time when more people are enjoying Connecticut’s outdoor spaces.
CT State Parks and Forests Where Alcohol Is Banned This Summer
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has re-imposed what it called temporary alcohol bans, effective immediately, until Aug 25 at these locations:
- Gardner Lake State Park, Salem
- Paugussett State Forest (upper Section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
- Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
- Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
- Quaddick State Park, Thompson
- Beach Pond Boat Launch, Voluntown, as well as the portion of Pachaug State Forest, within 500 yards inland from the Beach Pond shoreline.
Get Connecticut local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Connecticut newsletters.
DEEP said that during summers of late, including last year, bigger crowds have sought out the locations, alcohol has been consumed and that has led to more complaints, property damage, trespassing, and other issues.
Stories from LX News
LX, or Local X stands, for the exponential possibilities of storytelling in our communities.
“We want our parks, forests, boat launches, and waters to be peaceful, family-oriented places where adults and children can feel welcome and safe,” Mason Trumble, deputy commissioner for Environmental Conservation, said in a statement. “This measure, combined with continued supervision and education by DEEP staff and officers, will help restore a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all.”
