Our agency is committed to fulfilling its mission of "conserving, protecting and improving the natural resources and environment of the state." We are also committed to motivating Connecticut’s residents - especially children - to learn and care about the environment.

If you take some time to explore this website, you can learn a great deal about the environmental challenges facing our state and the work DEP is doing to accomplish our goals. The site provides easy access to information concerning environmental quality, the outdoors, and the work of DEP.

DEP is playing a leadership role in addressing the complex environmental and "lifestyle" issues of the 21^st century. We hope that the information and services provided on the DEP website will lead more people to explore firsthand the wonders of Connecticut’s lands and waters and to help DEP preserve the natural world, which is an invaluable resource to us all.

DEP’s dedicated staff work in a wide range of areas – from protecting the quality of this state’s air, water and lands to operating a state park and forest system to managing wildlife issues. We appreciate your interest in our work and look forward to working with you to help ensure that all of us – and future generations – can enjoy the beauty, charm and rich diversity of natural resources and wildlife that makes Connecticut such a special place to live, work and raise a family^.