CONNECTICUT, USA — The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is again imposing a temporary alcohol ban for seven different state recreation areas.
This ban begins May 15 and will last through August 12.
The following locations will be impacted:
- Beach Pond State Boat Launch, Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
- Billings Lake State Boat Launch, North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
- Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem
- Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
- Paugussett State Forest (upper section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
- Quaddick State Park, Thompson
- Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
DEEP said that in recent summers, these seven locations have experienced an increase in crowds and alcohol consumption. This has led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespassing, and other complaints by visitors and the surrounding communities.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said that the state's parks, forests, and boat launches should be peaceful and family-oriented places where visitors can feel welcomed and safe.
"This measure, combined with continued supervision and education by DEEP staff and law enforcement officers, will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to these public spaces by citizens of all ages," Dykes said.
State Representative Holly Cheeseman (R-Salem) said the ban is to address the ongoing concerns of area residents in places like Gardner Lake in Salem and that she is grateful to DEEP for renewing the ban and will continue to work with them to implement the measures necessary to keep everyone safe.
DEEP said that the temporary ban in the past has helped their law enforcement unit with an enforceable tool to mitigate inappropriate use of the state recreation areas and has been an "effective approach" to making the parks and boat launches safe.
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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