DNR:Dont litter on our lakes

[bunkerbay]

DNR: Don't litter on our lakes

The following is a news release from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

For many Minnesotans there is nothing like walking on a frozen lake, carving a hole and pulling up an elusive fish from the depths below. When word gets out that there’s a good fish bite on a lake, ice anglers descend on the spot. Often that pristine environment becomes littered with bottles, cans, cigarette butts, or worse.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers say the biggest problem is identifying the perpetrators.

“Lakes are normally ringed by fish houses this time of year so conservation officers find it challenging to identify who is leaving trash on a lake,” said Capt. Ken Soring, DNR Enforcement northeast regional manager in Grand Rapids. “Another factor is the wind, which makes it difficult to prove where the trash came from. And we just don’t have enough conservation officers to thoroughly enforce litter laws.”

Litter is a petty misdemeanor criminal charge with a fine of up to $300.

Conservation officers also have Solid Waste Civil Citation authority. These civil citations are “by the pound” or “by the cubic foot” penalties, and since they are not criminal charges, they don’t require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The person suspected of littering must pay the penalty and clean up the mess.

Conservation officers on Lake Mille Lacs utilize a blaze orange “notice” door tag with a label pasted on the back that essentially asks people to take their litter and blocking materials with them. Officers place the tag on fish houses, especially those that have litter around them. The tag also mentions the statute and potential penalty for violating the law.

“Officers will be documenting houses that have litter around them or look like they may be abandoned,” said Lt. Rita Frenzel, Lake Mille Lacs District Enforcement supervisor. “Given the size of Mille Lacs and the number of houses, this may be somewhat hit and miss. But we will be diligent in pursuing litter cases.” She noted officers will also be talking to resort owners about removing blocking material and remnants of ice bridges discarded on lakes.

The DNR offers the following tips to keep Minnesota waterways clean:

Set an example for others, especially children, by not littering.

Properly dispose of tangled fishing line to prevent wildlife from being trapped and injured.

It is unlawful to dispose of ice fishing shacks anywhere in the state. Check with local refuse provider or landfill for disposal.

Litter is a costly problem that we all end up paying for to keep our roadways, parks, and waterways clean. The act of littering not only hurts our pocketbooks, but it also causes harm to our environment in many ways.

Keep a litter bag or trash container in your fish house, dark house, or shelter.

Secure trash container covers to prevent wind or animals from spreading litter.

Cover and secure any vehicle, truck, or trailer carrying refuse.

When visiting any recreation area, make sure to leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy.

[merkman]

Conservation officers also have Solid Waste Civil Citation authority. These civil citations are by the pound or by the cubic foot penalties, and since they are not criminal charges, they don't require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The person suspected of littering must pay the penalty and clean up the mess.

WOW

That is scary.

You can now be fined for being suspected of littering?

[sfd]

That's a [PoorWordUsage] law. So I can get fined because some slob left cans and a ton of ciggy butts close to my house?

[Sonicrunch]

Wow. Just one more reason not to have a perm shack.

[Swimbait2009]

I think they're publishing that part of the law to encourage others to help police this issue. Most CO's I've come across are pretty understanding guys. If you don't give them another reason to start ticketing, they'll usually just chat for a bit. Here's a scenario: CO knocks on your house door, and when you answer sees that you have a good garbage can/bag in your house. If he/she has seen litter outside your shack, they'll probably assume that it is from someone else. If your house is overflowing with garbage and beer cans fall out the door as you open it, they'll assume (and probably correctly) that you are the problem. Don't give a CO or any law enforcement officer cause to dig deeper and you won't have any problems. Most will give you a warning for a first offense if there is question whether it was your fault in the first place.

[Juneau4]

Seems like some are getting a little nervous?

[waterbound]

I agree, it is scary that they can cite you without evidence but that doesn't mean you can't contest it. It's only a civil citation so it won't go on your criminal record, but you will have a fine to pay. If you were issued the civil citation you would most likely be given the criminal citation for littering, which does require evidence. If you took the littering ticket to court and it was overturned it would be pretty easy to have the civil citation overturned as well. As long as we aren't littering we won't have any problems.

[pulleye16]

Its also Illegal to enter Wisconsin with a chicken on your head...Like others have said, It's a scary tactic and unless you're asking for it, I'm sure they won't just give you a ticket for a beer can by your shack espicially if its in an area with alot of holes and traffic. Now they will give you a ticket if you enter Minnesota with cheese on your head!!!

[bunkerbay]

I think they're publishing that part of the law to encourage others to help police this issue.

Yes, hopefully this will bring more awareness to everyone to pick up after ourselves and even our neighbors on the ice. Also maybe this will have us "calling out" those slobs as they leave and they will actually clean up there own mess so we or the land owners of the lakes arent stuck cleaning everyone else's mess up when everyone has left.