| Governor Lamont and DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes announced that Connecticut’s State Parks system will provide their full services during the 2021 season.
DEEP has worked in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to create guidelines that will allow residents to safely visit the state's park.
The following is a summary of outdoor services and amenities at various locations administered by DEEP:
- Swimming permitted at shoreline and inland state parks based on DEEP’s assessment that visitors to Connecticut State Park beaches can be accommodated in conformance with public health guidance. While masks should not be worn during active swimming, masks can be used by individuals engaged in wading at water levels below the waist and is encouraged when wading areas are crowded and continuous distancing is not possible.
- Lifeguards will be on duty at DEEP’s eight inland and all shoreline beaches if adequate staffing recruitment allows. DEEP anticipates lifeguard crews will begin working on Memorial Day weekend. Beaches without lifeguards will be posted with signage that reads, “No lifeguards on duty.” Lifeguards will be provided training to reduce the risk of virus transmission in the course of their duties, including providing CPR.
- State park and forest campgrounds, rustic cabins, youth group, river camping, and backpack camping sites will open during the spring for the 2021 season on a reservation-only basis. The campground reservation system is open for new campground and cabin reservations. These decisions are based on current public health guidance, cleaning protocols and the availability of adequate staff and appropriate PPE. Any changes to these expectations may result in adjustments to camping opportunities. Group campsite renters are responsible for being aware of and complying with current guidelines on mask wearing and group size.
- Permanent food concessions will operate at Rocky Neck, Hammonasset Beach, Gillette Castle, Silver Sands, and Sherwood Island State Parks, and are scheduled to open on May 29, 2021. Visitors are required to follow social distancing signage and must maintain six feet of separation while standing in line.
- Public restroom and bathhouse facilities will open on Memorial Day weekend. Portable toilets are available in certain other locations. The public is reminded to carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- State boat launches will continue to remain open to the public. The use of a state boat launch is low risk and can be safely utilized when patrons follow commonsense safety practices, such as social distancing and wearing face coverings. Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Boating Division staff will be monitoring activities at state boat launches to ensure social distancing compliance. If the public health strategies provided on signage are not complied with, staff will advise and educate users or take additional actions, as necessary.
- The Boating Division expects heavy demand for boating access again in 2021. Boat launch capacity closures will continue to be announced through Twitter (@CTBoatingInfo). Boaters are encouraged to check the Boating Division’s Twitter account before heading out. The Boating Division will continue to be active on social media to highlight the smaller, out-of-the-way launches to encourage boaters – especially paddlers – to take advantage of all 117 launches. The Boating Division website contains information and directions for all 117 state boat launches.
The following is a summary of eased restrictions on gatherings and group size:
- Indoor and outdoor structures where the public tends to congregate had been previously closed to the public. DEEP intends to open nature centers, visitor centers, Gillette Castle, Dinosaur State Park, and others on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Definitive decision making will be based on current metrics surrounding community transmission and COVID-19 case rates in Connecticut and guidance from the Department of Public Health and the governor’s office.
- Picnic shelters are now open for small groups and for rental. They are open for appropriately sized groups only and six feet of social distancing must be maintained. Shelter renters are responsible for being aware of and complying with current guidelines on groups size. Many of DEEP’s picnic shelters are available for reservation through Reserve America.
- Picnicking is permitted in our parks and forests. Picnic tables have been returned to their usual locations for public use in accordance with applicable public health guidance and group size limits.
- Special Use License and Marine Event Permit applications will be accepted not later than 60 days prior, nor earlier than 90 days prior to the event date (the application window is 60-90 days prior to the event). At the time of application, the event must be consistent with the governor’s executive orders, Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) sector rules, and Department of Public Health guidance. Applications that are not consistent with such requirements will be denied. Special Use License and Marine Event Permit applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the scheduled event. Applications will not be accepted if they are received less than 60 days prior to the event. Applications that have been previously submitted and are currently under review for future events that exceed the current outdoor gathering size limits will be put on an administrative hold until consistency with the most current executive order is determined by the commissioner.
- Outdoor Environmental Education programs (both those conducted by DEEP as well as events hosted by others) will be permitted if current gathering guidelines are followed, including size limitations, mask use, distancing, and exclusion of symptomatic, ill, or quarantined individuals. It is incumbent on event organizers to be aware and compliant with such guidelines.
The following health advisory remains in effect for all visitors:
- If you are not feeling well stay home. Signs and symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste of smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Stay close to home. Do not travel long distances to parks or other recreational areas.
- Wear a face covering over the nose and mouth at all times when in public settings with individuals from outside your household, especially where social distancing of greater than six feet cannot be maintained continuously.
- When engaging in activities where masks cannot be worn (e.g. during eating, swimming, etc.) individuals should plan to maintain a minimum of six feet of distance (preferably more) at all times.
- Engage in outdoor recreational activities with members of your household or with others if consistent with current public health guidance. When hiking, masks should be worn when passing other groups within six feet.
- Practice good hygiene when outdoors. Wash hands, carry and use hand sanitizer, and sneeze and cough into a tissue or elbow, not hands.
These rules are subject to change. Click here for more information.
Great News for CT's Fiscal Outlook!
I am excited to share with you some great news about Connecticut's fiscal outlook!
For the first time in over 20 years, Moody's Investor Services increased Connecticut's credit rating from A1 to Aa3. The ratings reflect a state’s capacity to meet its financial commitments and incorporates factors such as the strength of a state’s economy, current business conditions, and the future outlook for the state. Aa3 is the fourth highest rating a state can receive.
Moody’s cited Connecticut’s "accumulation of significant budgetary reserves" and better than expected financial performance during the pandemic as the main reasons for its decision to upgrade our state’s rating.
This boost in the state's credit rating allows the State to borrow money at a reduced cost for construction projects and infrastructure updates, which will strengthen our economic recovery and save taxpayers money in the long-term. This new credit rating also allows our State agencies to maintain stability in providing critical social services.
The benefits of our smart, fiscally responsible policies are paying off. We are emerging as a national financial leader. While more work needs to be done to ensure Connecticut's economy continues to grow, this is certainly a welcome development.
Additional $2 million in state funding for state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas
$2 million in state funding is anticipated to be approved next week by the State Bond Commission, which will be used to fund statewide repairs and maintenance works at Connecticut state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.
Examples of projects that will be funded through this bond allocation include: grading and filling of gravel roads; building repairs such as roof, window and door replacement; heating and ventilation system repairs; plumbing, electrical and water system repairs, toilet building, maintenance facility and minor building repairs; replacement of picnic tables, grilles, fire rings and other park and campground amenities; timber rails, decking materials, grading and filling of parking areas; and security gates, including replacement materials.
The State Bond Commission is anticipated to vote on the allocation during its meeting next Friday, April 16.
Upcoming Events
On April 15, I am co-hosting an event on Zoom with the Small Business Association (SBA). I will be joined by two SBA officials, Catherine Marx and Frank Alvarado.
We will be available to discuss PPP loans, the deadline extension, and any other forms of assistance that can be beneficial for small business owners looking for relief.
The event will take place from 6 pm -7pm. For more information, click here or the image below.
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