May 25, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Sarah Melnitsky, Cronin and Company, Inc., 860-659-0514 smelnitsky@cronin-co.com

AnnMarie Kemp, Cronin and Company, Inc., 860-659-0514 akemp@cronin-co.com

Memorial Day Marks Summer Season Opener At Connecticut State Parks

Various Improvements Help Enhance Visitors' Park and Forest Experience

HARTFORD, CONN./May 25, 2006 -With Memorial Day weekend marking the summer season opening of Connecticut's state parks and forests, visitors can find a variety of outdoor recreational, cultural, historical and educational opportunities all across the state. Improvements to several venues will help enhance the experience for visitors this summer.

"Our state parks and forests invite all kinds of exploration, exercise and excitement," says Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy. "It's time to get outside and enjoy these incredible local resources. Our state parks are safe, convenient and affordable places for families to enjoy the outdoors and spend time together."

Among the many improvements made by the DEP includes a rebuilt stairway at Kent Falls State Park in Litchfield county offering safer, improved viewing of the falls as well as handicap access (official reopening will be held later this summer). Meig's Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park features enhanced exhibits and educational activities, greater handicap access and improved bathroom facilities. The Paul Wilderman Swamp Walk at Killingworth's Chatfield Hollow State Park has been reconstructed to provide an intimate experience with wetlands habitat, flora and fauna.

"The improvements we have made and the new programs we have implemented are aimed at getting families and visitors alike to enjoy the many state parks and forests throughout the state," adds McCarthy. "There truly is something for everyone."

McCarthy and the DEP have prioritized the need to get families outdoors with the launch of the statewide No Child Left Inside℠ campaign this year. The campaign includes a number of programs that help raise awareness for the recreational activities available at the state's parks and forests, attract families to the parks and build enthusiasm for the outdoors among children. For example, public libraries across the state will have a Connecticut State Park & Forest day pass available for patrons to borrow, allowing free parking at the major state parks where fees are charged and admission to any museum located at a state park. Also, the DEP will add interpreters to both shoreline and inland recreational facilities, serving as guides to the parks and running educational and recreational programs. To learn more visit www.nochildleftinside.org.

Season park passes are also available for purchase from the DEP, and will allow unlimited access throughout the year to any state park or recreation area that has a parking fee. The cost is $40 for Connecticut residents and $60 for out-of-state residents. With so much going on at Connecticut's parks and forests, it is worth the investment. To purchase a season park pass visit the DEP website at www.ct.gov/dep and select "DEP Store" or visit www.nochildleftinside.org.

The state of Connecticut operates 137 state parks and forests. The state park system dates back to the early years of the 20th century. These lands include:

• 19 swimming areas and beaches.
• Nine historic sites of significance.
• More than 800 miles of hiking trails.
• 230 lakes and ponds.
• 2,000 miles of rivers and streams.
• 1,300 campsites at 14 state parks for both tent and RV camping.
• More than 100 public boat launch areas.

To learn more visit www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks.

For more information about Connecticut's state parks, pick up a copy of A Shared Landscape, A Guide & History of Connecticut's State Parks, compiled by the Friends of Connecticut State Parks, a non-profit advocacy group. The guidebook offers everything you need to know about our public lands. To order a copy visit www.friendsctstateparks.org.