Temporary Alcohol Ban Enacted At 9 Connecticut State Recreation Areas

CONNECTICUT — In recent summers, some Connecticut state parks, forests and boat launches 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, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)..

A temporary alcohol ban has been enacted at nine state recreation areas, including the Naugatuck State Forest, which encompasses parts of Naugatuck, Oxford, and Beacon Falls. The ban will include the areas commonly known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, #2, #3 and #4 and the lands immediately surrounding the reservoirs, DEEP said.

The ban will be in effect from Wednesday, May 21 through Monday, August 18.

Other recreation spots affected are:

• 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
• Pattaconk Recreation Area, Chester
• Paugussett State Forest (upper section) and George Waldo State Park, Southbury
• Quaddick State Park, Thompson
• Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown and Middlefield

"Enacting this measure will help ensure the safety of others and promote an atmosphere in our Connecticut State Parks and Forests which is enjoyable and meaningful to residents of all ages," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said.