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Fish Passage "Fin"ished in Naugatuck State Forest
DEEP Forestry, Fisheries, Engineering, and Wildlife Divisions joined forces to improve access for forest management while improving habitat for eastern brook trout. Brooksvale Stream, whose watershed is located primarily in the Mt. Sanford Block of Naugatuck State Forest, provides cool, clean water for brook trout habitat. Culverts that were failing for many years, exacerbated by tropical storm Isaias in 2020 and hurricane Ida in 2021, were replaced in May 2025. The project improves fish passage and provides access for future forestry activities. This projec was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Before and after the culvert replacement at Brooksville Stream in Naugatuck State Forest.
Forest Facts: Oak Wilt Disease
What is oak wilt? Oak wilt is a vascular disease of oak trees, caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum. The fungus grows on the outer sapwood of oak trees, restricting the flow of water and nutrients through the tree. Oak wilt can cause poor health and mortality in oak trees.
Is oak wilt in Connecticut? Although oak wilt has not yet been found in Connecticut, it is a concern as our state forests are oak-dominated. OWD has been identified in New York state, including in Brooklyn and Long Island.
- How is oak wilt identified? Look for discoloration of leaves that starts at the edge of the leaf and moves towards the middle. You will also see premature leaf drop, fungal mats under the bark, and vertical cracks in the bark as a result of those fungal mats.
Questions or concerns about oak wilt disease? Learn more about oak wilt disease and contact the CT Agriculture Experiment Station at 1-877-855-2237.
NEW! TSP Training Program for Certified Foresters
The DEEP Forestry Division is excited to partner with the CT Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation to pay foresters for their time to begin or retain their status as NRCS Technical Service Providers (TSPs).
Grow Your Forestry Skills, Get Paid For Your Time!
A TSP provides technical assistance to landowners on behalf of the NRCS. CT-licensed Forest Practitioners who would like to retain their TSP certification or who are new to TSP certification can participate in this training. Participants will be paid $115/hr for up to 16 hours of in-person training and $2,500 for their submitted and approved forest management plan, if applicable.
This program begins in November 2025. Registration is required. Funding for this Program is provided by the U.S.D.A Forest Service through the Forest Stewardship Program, under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Congratulations to the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew (CIFC) Class of 2025!
The crew underwent a rigorous training that prepared them to respond to wildfires in Connecticut and throughout the country. Through a Master Wildland Fire Agreement with the USDA Forest Service and other federal partners, the CIFC protects people and property in Connecticut, the United States, and Canada through the suppression and management of wildfires. The IFC responds to local fires as well as large-scale interstate requests for assistance.
Vernon Loves Trees
DEEP's Urban and Community Forestry Program recently participated in the public launch of Vernon’s Live Here - Love Trees program during their Vernon Go Green Celebration. Through funding provided by DEEP's Urban Forest Equity Grant Program, Vernon will plant trees and provide educational tree-care workshops to residents of the Rockville neighborhood, which has as low as 31% tree cover, as compared to the greater central CT region’s average urban tree canopy of 46%.
Residents, municipal staff, and program partners convened at the Vernon Go Green celebration to kick off the new program with live music, family activities, informational booths, and a tree care workshop. The redbud tree pictured here was planted in Vernon’s Central Park.
You can read more about this project and others like it on DEEP’s Urban Forestry Grant Accomplishments page. The Urban and Community Forestry Program is also looking forward to hosting a new grant round of funding for urban forestry projects in low-canopy communities through the Trees for Communities Grant Program. This funding supports projects that improve forest health, increase canopy cover, and engage communities. Visit the Trees for Communities Grant Program webpage to learn more and view application instructions.
Opportunities for Woodland Owners
Connecticut Master Woodland Manager Program, hosted by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association and made possible by a grant from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Through a partnership with DEEP, UConn, Yale University, Audubon Connecticut, and the CT Land Conservation Council, the year-long program begins in September. Learn from Connecticut’s top forestry and wildlife professionals and join a community of woodland supporters! The deadline for applications for the 2025-2026 cohort is July 15, 2025.
Connecticut's Service Forestry Program. Are you a woodland owner? Take advantage of Connecticut's Service Forestry Program. Service Foresters will walk your woods with you to help you establish or review forest management goals and discuss your concerns and interests regarding your woodland. After the visit, you will receive a map of your woodland and a report containing important information about your woodland. This service is free for woodland owners who own 10 acres or more.
Forest Management Intensive at Great Mountain Forest.
Aug 1, Aug 15 & Sept 12, 2025
The GMF Woodland Academy’s Three-Day Intensive is a hands-on learning experience that helps woodland stewards begin to identify forest trees and shrubs, understand ecosystem dynamics and management approaches, and access the assistance and funding they need to achieve their forest management goals.
Land Navigation & Mapping at Great Mountain Forest.
Aug 8, 2025
A hands-on, one-day workshop teaching essential analogue and digital navigation and mapping skills for confidently exploring, managing, and stewarding forested landscapes.
Important Dates
August 31: Trees for Communities Grant Applications Due. The Trees for Communities Grant Program addresses the uneven distribution of tree canopy across Connecticut by providing financial support for urban forestry projects in communities of need. Learn more at the Trees for Communities Grant website.
October 8: Forest Practitioner Exam. Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area. Contact Nicholas.Zito@ct.gov for more information.
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