Authorities renew alcohol ban at seven recreation areas in CT

State environmental officials have renewed a temporary alcohol ban at more than a half-dozen boat launches and state forests where increased crowds and unruly behavior have been reported in recent years.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced this week that the new bans would remain in effect through Nov. 10.

The 90-day ban prohibits alcohol at the Beach Pond State Boat Launch in Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest; Billings Lake State Boat Launch in North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest; Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch in Salem; Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston; Paugussett State Forest (upper section)/George Waldo State Park in Southbury; Quaddick State Forest in Thompson; and the Wadsworth Falls State Park Middletown and Middlefield.

DEEP officials in May announced there would be a 90-day alcohol ban at the seven recreation areas, which would have expired last Monday had it not been renewed. Authorities noted that the existing 90-day alcohol ban implemented for the Naugatuck State Forest — which includes the areas commonly known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, #2, #3 and #4 and the lands immediately surrounding the reservoirs — is still in effect.

“In recent years, these locations 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 the surrounding communities,” DEEP officials said in a statement. “This year’s bans have helped curtail unsafe behaviors and allowed these locations to be more welcoming and safe outdoor recreation destinations. With that in mind, DEEP has determined enacting an additional 90-day ban at these locations is in the interest of public safety.”

“DEEP encourages responsible outdoor recreation, and this measure helps to ensure that Connecticut’s state parks, forests, and boat launches are welcoming and family friendly outdoor spaces,” DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said in a statement.

“A temporary alcohol ban provides DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police with an enforcement tool to dissuade inappropriate use of the state outdoor recreation areas and has been an effective approach to make state parks, forests, and boat launches safe and enjoyable for all,” the department said.