CT DEEP reinstates ban on alcohol for some areas

Alcohol consumption is temporarily banned at some outdoor areas this summer, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

DEEP reinstated temporary alcohol bans in seven of its recreational areas Thursday. The ban is effective immediately and goes until Sept. 5.

The areas include Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch in Salem; the upper section of Paugussett State Forest or George Waldo State Park in Southbury; Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Middlefield; Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston; Quaddick State Park in Thompson; Beach Pond State Boat Launch, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest, in Voluntown; and Billings Lake State Boat Launch, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest, in North Stonington.

DEEP said that these locations in recent summers 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 surrounding communities.”

“Connecticut’s state parks, forests, and boat launches should be peaceful and family-oriented places where visitors can feel welcome and safe while recreating outdoors,” said Mason Trumble, DEEP’s deputy commissioner for environmental conservation. “This measure, combined with continued supervision and education by DEEP staff and law enforcement officers, will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit by citizens of all ages.”

DEEP officials said in a news release that it has been an effective tool to make state parks, forests and boat launches “safe and enjoyable for all.”