Wethersfield Rafters, Tubers and Kayakers Take Note: Booze Banned at Popular Farmington River Spot

Heading to the Farmington River this weekend? Well, Wethersfield kayakers and tubers and rafters need to take notice:

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Klee said Friday that both the possession and consumption of alcohol at Nepaug State Forest and Satan’s Kingdom Recreation Area is now prohibited, effective Friday through October 26, because of "numerous incidents of unruly behavior by large groups consuming alcohol."

He said it is a public safety issue because drunks have been disrupting the quiet of the forest and river.

“I have exercised my authority to declare a ban on alcohol at Nepaug State Forest and Satan’s Kingdom," he said. "It is not a combination conducive to public safety and enjoyment of our state’s natural resources. The ban I have issued means no alcohol at Nepaug State Forest as well as Satan’s Kingdom. Environmental Conservation Police officers from this agency will vigorously patrol the park to enforce this.”

Satan’s Kingdom is a popular recreation area in New Hartford located on the Farmington River where folks statewide embark on tubing, kayaking and other recreational outdoor activities.

The use of the area by the public has intensified dramatically in the past few years, Klee said.

"Many of the incidents of unruly behavior have been driven by excessive alcohol consumption, resulting in considerable disruption for other forest visitors and their enjoyment of the recreation area," he said.

It is the second time this season Klee has put his foot down. Klee said recent motor vehicle accidents in Nepaug State Forest led to the decision to close the interior forest roads to motor vehicles until further notice. Non-motorized access is still permitted.

“We want our forests to be peaceful, family-oriented places where adults and children can feel safe,” Klee said. “The vast majority of visitors to our parks enjoy themselves while following the rules and exhibiting good behavior. Unfortunately, situations do arise – like that at Nepaug State Forest and Satan’s Kingdom– where people engage in behavior that affects the experience of others.”