Earth Day is Right Around the Corner as April Showers Bring May Flowers

By: Senator Tony Guglielmo

The past few weeks we have experienced some much needed rain across the state and as these April showers bring May flowers I can’t help but look forward to warmer weather.

Earth Day

Did you know?

On April 22, 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin started an environmental revolution. Nelson held the first Earth Day celebration in which 20 million people participated in awareness raising activities that have become the country’s first organized activity for the environment. Every April 22nd has officially been deemed Earth Day and each year gatherings and marches are held to educate everyone about our exquisite natural resources. There are many family friendly activities happening throughout the state, click here to see a list of Earth Day activities.

With summer right around the corner families will soon be hitting the road traveling to appreciate the beautiful spring and summer in New England.  I thought it was a good time to remind everyone about the regulations surrounding the transportation of firewood in our state.

Firewood Transportation

 Did you know?

 Connecticut prohibits the transportation of hardwood firewood from any emerald ash borer quarantined county to any area that is not infested- and it also requires certification or other documentation paperwork for firewood movement within all areas in the state. Authorities in Connecticut advise that firewood should be bought and used locally to prevent the spread of pests within the state. Many other New England and Mid-Atlantic states also have areas under quarantine for pests such as emerald ash borer or the Asian longhorned beetle, and it is illegal to move firewood from quarantined zones to non-quarantined areas without appropriate compliance agreements or permits. Your best bet is to buy your firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests throughout the state. As part of the state regulations, when transporting firewood within Connecticut, the person moving the firewood must have in his or her possession a document stating the origin and destination of the firewood. This can be accomplished through the use of a Self-Issued Firewood Transportation Certificate.  

Do you need a park pass?

 For the frequent park visitor, Connecticut offers a special season pass, this pass allows you unlimited vehicle access with a window sticker to any state park or recreation area that has a parking fee for no extra charge. Season passes are valid for one vehicle per pass, valid for the entire calendar year and non-transferable to any other vehicle. To purchase a season pass by mail, send a check or money order payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut” for the appropriate amount – $69.50 for a Resident Pass and $114.50 for a Non-Resident pass, and don’t forget if you are a Connecticut resident and 65 years of age or older, the Charter Oak Pass provides free access for the entire car where there is a parking fee!

Send your request to:

DEEP Licensing Division

79 Elm Street

Hartford, CT 06106-5127

 Your pass will be sent via first class mail to the address provided in your request. If you have questions or need additional information on Connecticut State Parks and Forests, please contact the State Parks Division by email at [email protected], by phone at 860-424-3200.

 From my family to yours, Happy Spring and safe travels as the weather continues to bloom.