01/01/0001
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes Demonstrates Social Distancing Outdoors
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With state parks remaining open for solo activity or hikes with housemates during the COVID-19 crisis, state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes and other environmental officials visited Gay City State Park in Hebron Thursday to highlight the importance of social distancing in the outdoors.
As hundreds of thousands of state residents limit their social activities to reduce community spread of COVID-19, many have been “discovering and rediscovering the beauty of our state parks,” Commissioner Dykes said.
“We love to see that, but we want to make sure that people can enjoy our parks responsibly,” Commissioner Dykes said.
Most importantly, Commissioner Dykes said, was that people use parks for taking a hike or a walk by themselves, or with members of their household, not to gather with friends or others you don’t reside with. Commissioner Dykes encouraged residents to take the opportunity to try a place you haven’t been to before, noting the more than 100 state parks and forests the state has to offer. Commissioner Dykes encouraged visitors who encounter a full parking lot at a park or trailhead to consider choosing a different park to visit, or returning at another day or time.
She added that many land trusts are also open and have hiking trails available. DEEP is sharing tips for safe outdoor recreation on its website and on social media using the hashtags #StaySafeOutdoors and #CTTrailsLessTraveled.
Eric Hammerling, executive director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, which is responsible for maintaining 825+ miles of blue-blazed hiking trails around the state, similarly encouraged people to seek out less highly-trafficked areas.
“We would definitely encourage people to get outdoors for their physical and mental health, but also to avoid going to the places where everyone goes if possible,” Hammerling said. He also encouraged people to use the trail map on the CFPA website as one tool to find trails that are less traveled. See https://www.ctwoodlands.org/blue-blazed-hiking-trails/blue-blazed-hiking-trails-interactive-map.
Commissioner Dykes also shared several social distancing practices park visitors should use, and other tips for safe park use at this time. These practices, which are also posted on DEEP’s website, include:
- If not feeling well, stay home! Signs and symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
- Avoid the most popular spots, for example, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, or Bluff Point State Park, and try a park you may not have visited before or one close to your home.
- Restrooms are closed, so visitors are encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit.
- If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park or trail, or return another day or time.
- Observe the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people, whether you’re walking, biking, or hiking. Practice it and know what it looks like.
- Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn.
- Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to the park. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as picnic tables, doorknobs, handrails, and equipment.
- Bring water. Public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
- Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.
Commissioner Dykes also noted that given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 situation and the arrival of spring and warmer weather DEEP is actively monitoring visitorship at state parks and planning for possible next steps if needed to maintain safe and manageable levels of visitorship. These steps could include reducing parking capacity at parks, or even closing certain parks, if circumstances warranted.
In the past two weeks, DEEP has announced the closure of certain satellite office locations and visitor centers within state parks and forests. DEEP recently closed the tower at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden. Signs have been posted at park facilities and picnic shelters emphasizing the need to maintain social distancing. Commissioner Dykes said that park staff and state Environmental Conservation Police have been monitoring the parks, and so far, that people have generally been practicing proper social distancing.
“We feel good about what we’ve seen so far, but we have to continue to follow social distancing practices so that we can operate the parks safely during this time,” she said.
Earlier this week, Governor Ned Lamont officially opened the state’s inland fishing season, ahead of its traditional opening day in April. This was done with the intention of avoiding the large crowds that usually form on opening day and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
During this time of social distancing, fishing can be enjoyed as a solitary experience or with members of your immediate household, not as a group activity. Make sure to stay at least six feet away from any other people you encounter in the parks.
Anglers are encouraged to purchase 2020 fishing licenses, the Trout & Salmon Stamp, and the Youth Fishing Passport online, through our mobile friendly site or access via our main fishing website.
More at: www.ct.gov/DEEP | Follow on Facebook at CTDEEP, CTFishAndWildlife | Follow on Twitter @CTDEEPNews | connect and crowdsource social tags #CTTrailsLessTraveled #StaySafeOutdoors
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110