Hartford, Conn./WTIC Radio - The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is announcing a ban on alcoholic beverages at nine recreation areas in Connecticut this season.
DEEP says the temporary ban began May 21st and is in effect through August 18th.
The ban includes the following locations:
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
Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck, Oxford, and Beacon Falls, to include the areas commonly known as Seymour Reservoirs #1, #2, #3, and #4 and the lands immediately surrounding the reservoirs
Paugussett State Forest (upper section) and George Waldo State Park, Southbury
Quaddick State Park, Thompson
Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown and Middlefield
Pattaconk Recreation Area, Chester
In the last few years, DEEP says these areas have seen increased crowds, misconduct, rowdy behavior and property damage, among other issues.
The temporary ban provides En Con police with a "enforcement tool" to dissuade inappropriate use at parks, forests and boat launches.