Latest news with #KatieDykes
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida Just Approved a Black Bear Season. Connecticut Could Be Next
Connecticut is inching closer to instituting a bear season after the state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow wildlife officials to authorize a hunt when public safety is at risk. The move comes on the heels of Florida's approval of its first bear season in nearly a decade and is an indication of a broader trend in state-level responses to growing black bear populations. The Connecticut Senate easily passed Senate Bill 1523 on May 22, with a vote of 34-2. The bill would amend an existing law that allows individuals to request a permit to use deadly force against a bear if it is injuring or killing livestock, crops, or honey bees to make it easier for landowners to kill nuisance bears. But a provision tucked into SB 1523 would also authorize Connecticut's governor to direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to open a black bear hunting season if DEEP finds 'that bear conflicts with people, pets, and livestock in the state have reached a level that poses a public safety threat.' But Connecticut's most recent State of Bears briefing, which points to a 'long term increasing trend in human-bear conflicts,' suggests that conflicts may have already reached that level. DEEP estimates more than 1,200 black bears are roaming the state. In 2024, bears were reported in 159 of Connecticut's 169 towns and cities, with thousands of reported human-black bear conflicts, which far exceeds conflicts in neighboring states where bear hunting is legal. According to the report, Connecticut had 67 instances of black bears entering homes last year and had two bear attacks on humans. 'Because the frequency and severity of human-bear conflicts have increased significantly over the past decade, DEEP supports this legislation,' DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes told lawmakers in her submitted testimony, '…we believe a regulated bear hunt is a critical and needed addition to the suite of black bear management tools we currently employ to protect the public, reduce human-bear conflicts, and support a healthy and sustainable black bear population.' Read Next: What Do Black Bears Eat? While Connecticut's proposed legislation sets the stage for a conditional bear season, Florida is taking a more direct approach. On May 15, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-1 to give preliminary approval for the state's first bear hunt since 2015. The proposed 3-week hunt, scheduled for December 2025, would permit the harvest of up to 187 bears and allow the use of bait and dogs. The vote follows Florida's first fatal bear attack on May 5, which claimed the life of an 88-year-old man in Collier County. A final vote for the proposed hunt is scheduled for August.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Connecticut leaders hoping to draw tourists this summer
EAST LYME, Conn. (WTNH) — Many people are getting ready for this unofficial kickoff to the summer season, including state leaders who traditionally use the Friday leading into the Memorial Day weekend to tout tourism. Connecticut attractions push for more spending on tourism Today, they were at Rocky Neck State Park reminding people what the state has to offer. According to the state there, will be a lot for those kids and everyone to do this summer. 'No matter where you live in Connecticut, you are not more than 20 minutes away from one of our gorgeous state parks,' Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, (D-Conn.) said. Programs like Passport to Parks, which provides free parking to Connecticut residents, and Park Connect which provides shuttles from public transportation, are all designed to improve access to state parks and beaches. 'Users can now reserve all terrain wheelchairs in seven Connecticut State Park and Forest locations around the state,' Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said. But it's also the many attractions like Mystic Seaport, named second best outdoor museum by USA Today and other national rankings, which state leaders hope will attract more visitors. 'The best state in the U.S. for hiking,' Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the state, said. The state says tourism is an $18.5 billion industry in Connecticut, responsible for 125,000 jobs. If you do decide to head to the beach, three state parks will have lifeguards starting this Memorial Day weekend. Sherwood Island, Hammonasset and Rocky Neck State Park. 'Our tourism budget was about $12 million in 2023. Right now, if nothing happens in the legislative session with this budget, it's going to go down to $4.5 million,' Scott Dolch, president & CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said. 'We're still in negotiations with the legislature right now as we're trying to get the right balance going forward,' Gov. Ned Lamont said. Many want more tourism money and more sunshine to help ensure a successful summer season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CT rolls out new large-scale solar siting tool. It's aimed at making electricity more affordable
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has launched a new online tool for large-scale solar project siting in the state. The map tool, called the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool, uses Geographic Information Systems mapping to display data in an easy-access format. It is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software, DEEP officials said. The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut's environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut's Center for Land Use Education and Research, the mapping tool allows for the display of data in a compelling, easy-to-access format using GIS technology. 'Large-scale renewable energy projects are an important component of our strategy to meet our energy supply needs, make electricity more affordable for residents and continue progress toward the state's target of a 100% zero carbon electric supply by 2040,' DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said. Officials said that because Connecticut is the nation's fourth most densely populated state, it is important to ensure solar development is balanced with a wide variety of community needs that are also priorities for the state. Connecticut also has among the highest energy costs in the nation. The tool is being rolled out as part of DEEP's plan to highlight strategies Connecticut can pursue to achieve an affordable, reliable and clean electric supply over the next 10 years, according to officials. One element of the plan, mandated in Public Act 24-31, is for DEEP to produce an online map to assist with the 'potential siting of solar projects in the state' and further the goal of increasing the state's supply of zero-carbon energy. 'This new tool will inform the siting process and also provide greater transparency to the public,' Dykes said. UConn CLEAR is hosting a webinar with DEEP officials on June 18, at 1 p.m. to demonstrate how to use the new mapping tool. Anyone looking to get more information can register for the webinar at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Thinking about bringing alcohol to a CT state park this weekend? See where it is banned.
If you're thinking of bringing alcohol with you to a Connecticut state park or boat launch this Memorial Day weekend, state officials are reminding visitors to follow a temporary alcohol ban at several state recreation areas or risk the possibility of being fined. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced a temporary alcohol ban for nine state recreation areas including Beach Pond State Boat Launch in Voluntown; 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; Naugatuck State Forest in Naugatuck, Oxford and Beacon Falls; Paugussett State Forest (upper section) and George Waldo State Park in Southbury; Quaddick State Park in Thompson; Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Middlefield; and Pattaconk Recreation Area in Chester. State officials said the ban is in effect through August 18. In recent summers, officials said these locations have experienced increased crowds and alcohol consumption, which has led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass and complaints by other visitors and the surrounding communities, according to DEEP. A temporary alcohol ban provides DEEP's Environmental Conservation Police with an enforcement tool, officials said. '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,' said DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes. Memorial Day weekend is among the busiest for state parks, according to state officials. In recent years, the state has cracked down on unruly behavior and ensuring that parks stay within capacity requirements. Just last week, officials announced they are offering an online reservation system for parking at the popular Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield to help improve the experience for visitors and reduce traffic congestion near the park. A state law passed in 2023 requires a set capacity limit for the park and authorizes DEEP to close the park to new visitors — whether entering by vehicle, on foot or by boat — when the vehicle capacity is reached Visitors can purchase up to two car passes at a time but must provide vehicle information for each pass, including each vehicle's license plate number. For those who enter in a vehicle registered out of state, the reservation fee is $22 per vehicle on weekends and $15 on weekdays. For those who enter in a Connecticut-registered vehicle, there is no fee for park entrance, as they are covered through the Passport to the Parks Program, officials said. However, a $2 reservation fee is charged for all transactions. Reservations can be made through the online reservation system or by calling toll-free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) during call center hours. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Boaters operating vessels on inland waters must purchase AIS stamp, DEEP says
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding boaters who operate vessels inland that they are now required to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species stamp. AIS stamps can be purchased through DEEP's Sportsmen Licensing System. It can also be purchased whenever fishing licenses are sold. Report: Number of traffic stops in Connecticut increase by 14% in 2023 'The spread of nuisance aquatic invasive species is one of the biggest threats to water-based recreation in Connecticut today. The funds collected through the AIS Stamp program brings important resources to this fight,' DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a written statement. Anyone who answers 'yes' to these two questions is required to purchase a sticker: Are you operating on Connecticut's inland waters, and are you operating a vessel that is required to display a registration decal? This applies to out-of-state visitors who are boating on inland waters in the state, too. An individual sticker is $7, while a decal is $25, which is assigned to certain vessels. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
