While the state’s environmental agency has to figure out a way to better address problems at some of its state parks, the solution to littering and poor behavior ultimately rests with citizens showing respect for the environment and for their fellow park-goers.

Once again, the Gardner Lake Authority is expressing concern about the heavy use of the small state park that runs along one section of shore on the large natural lake that spans sections of Salem, Montville and Bozrah. It appears the Gardner Lake State Park, at just less than 10 acres, has become perhaps too popular since opening in 2001.

In giving the general public access to the beautiful, clear 528-acre lake, the park was a welcomed development. But as more people discover the free-admission park, they overwhelm the few picnic tables and grills, five port-a-johns and limited trash receptacles. The result, says the lake authority that includes representatives from all three towns, is a serious litter problem and sometimes overflowing portable toilets.

There have also been complaints about late-night parties.

Showing the problem is not unique, the Hartford Courant reported on similar problems at Scantic River State Park in Enfield. Volunteers cleaning up the riverside park recently reported collecting nearly a half ton of trash.

Cars reportedly overflow the Scantic River park’s small parking area and spill onto neighboring streets. And while, unlike Gardner Lake, the Scantic River park has no official swimming area, it is popular with waders and those using inflatable floating devices.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has 60 conservation officers to police its 109 state parks, and most of their focus is on the larger, heavily used parks. DEEP's 80 full-time park employees and 500 seasonal staff are also not up to the scope of the challenge.

Yet the agency must make some adjustments, in facilities and assignment of personnel, when use of these smaller parks grows.

Park-goers, meanwhile, can help the situation with such common courtesies as picking up after themselves and carrying out their garbage if trash containers are full. Such parks could close if behavior does not improve and the state is unable to provide the necessary support services.

As is often the case, a small percentage of inconsiderate people can ruin the experience for the vast majority of those who act responsibly.