DEEP: Some Restrictions Lifted At Candlewood Lake Boat Launches

DANBURY, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced today that Lattins Cove state boat launch on Candlewood Lake remains temporarily closed, while Squantz Cove state boat launch, also on Candlewood Lake, is back to full parking capacity.

Since Aug. 26, Lattins Cove state boat launch has been closed, and parking capacity at Squantz Cove state boat launch had been reduced to 50 percent. These precautionary measures were implemented in coordination with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and local officials in Danbury, which had seen a significant uptick in new COVID-19 infections. The measures were taken in order to provide safe outdoor recreation opportunities while also addressing specific concerns expressed regarding behaviors on Candlewood Lake inconsistent with COVID-19 prevention guidance.

DEEP, in coordination with DPH, and local officials in Danbury, continues to monitor the situation and hopes to reopen Lattins Cove boat launch as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. DEEP will continue to conduct increased outreach and monitoring on the lake and at the state boat launches.

DEEP recommends that all persons using state boat launch facilities and docks maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members. Where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn. All persons boating with non-family members should maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members. On vessels where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn. "Rafting," where several boats tie up, and large gatherings, are not conducive to appropriate and safe social distancing, and are strongly discouraged, according to DEEP.