Booze banned at state parks and forests throughout summer

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) — Drinking is prohibited at a number of state parks and forests this Independence Day. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has added Naugatuck State Forest to the ban list.

It comes after State Environmental Conservation police say they’ve been dealing with a number of issues in recent summers.

“That includes a lot of parties, underage drinking, vandalism,” said Jordan Jacquo, a conservation officer.

Jacquo says in addition to unlawful activity, they’ve implemented the measure to prevent potential ground fires.

“The grass and the trees are drying out, so even a small grass fire can cause the whole forest to go up in flames,” Jacquo said.

DEEP previously imposed alcohol bans on the following state boat launches, parks and forests:

• 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; and
• Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield.

The alcohol ban began on July 2 and will be in effect through September 30.

Over at Wadworth Falls, David Samuels says it’s not that big of a deal.

“People are going to do what they’re going to do,” Samuels said. “So if I have to explain to my kid ‘That guy’s had a few too many beers and is making bad decisions,’ that is a part of life.”

But Maria Castillo says the ban isn’t fair.

“I’m upset because liquor is not allowed because that’s what relaxes people,” Castillo said.

State police say they will be beefing up patrols for the holiday weekend, including DUI enforcement, adding people can be fined for not following the rules.

“Drinking an open container in a public area is a no-go. That is illegal” Sgt. Luke Davis said.

Davis added that people can drink in designated establishments like bars and restaurants — responsibly, of course.

“Making smart and responsible decisions is absolutely paramount,” Sgt. Davis said. “Have a designated driver, use a rideshare program, or just stay in place if need-be.”

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