Advice on going to the DNR?

[chucker34]

Does anyone have any advice on going to the DNR? There is an individual where I live who brags about sinking christmas trees in our lake during the summer for purposes of fishing and also using chum bags when ice fishing in the winter. He also alters the shoreline along a channel between two lakes without permission - removing the bottom and widening it. Do I have to have proof - i.e., pictures - to have the DNR listen to me? Or can I just let them know how he brags these activities up so they can keep an eye on him.

This guy does all of this and yet just recently turned in his brother and sister-in-law's families to the DNR for having burning barrels.

Thanks. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Mark Christianson]

Email address for ya:

[email protected]

Sounds like someone who thinks he is above the law. Let the DNR decide if what he is doing is right or wrong. They can get their hands on aerial photos to possibly see if his alterations are beyond legal means.

[IFallsRon]

You could call the TIP line (1-800-652-9093) and give as many specifics as possible. If the DNR thinks there's something worth investigating, they'll check it out.

[Alphid]

Give me this guy's name and address because these seem like really good spots to fish. And yes, I am serious.

[Guest]

I agree with Alphid, just post the GPS coords here and that should really burn that guy's gizzard...lol

But seriously, the DNR should be contacted. I would just call your local office and let them know what is going on.

[jlm]

Is dropping trees down illegal? I see it done all the time and have always been under the impression that it is legal. How do you know he can not alter the shoreline? Have you checked with the local zoning board or whoever handles permits for such a thing. Sounds like you have a serious beef with this guy. If he is doing these things unlawfully, I hope he gets caught for sure. Better make sure first though or he may relaliate in some way down the line. Just my 2 cents!

[Guest]

You cannot drop trees into a lake without a permit. Maybe he has one, who knows, still should be checked out.

[Guest]

sounds like he is doing to many illegal things to have permits. Call the tip line get gps locations if you can. Some photos of the crime being done will give you some serious leverage.

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www.todaystackle.com
www.otter.com

[catchin'whopper]

...and get the ice house out on that sunken tree as soon as possible, that definitely will be a hot spot.

[jegerjack]

I did not think of it at the time but, last year I was at a cabin ice fishing. One night we saw a guy bring what we think was a pretty large couch and some trees out on to the ice then he set it on fire (to burn the foam and covering?). At the time we thought that he just did not want to pay to have the stuff hauled away, but now that I read this post I bet he was making structure.

JegerJack

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"What did the old man trade for these guys, a used puck bag?"

[chucker34]

No, I don't have a beef. I'm just don't think it's right to turn on family right away unless they've done something absolutely terrible. There were other ways - ask them to stop burning, offer to help take their garbage to the dump periodically, etc. And those who live in glass houses definitely shouldn't cast stones or it will catch up with them eventually - which it has several times in his case. I've been hesitant to report him because turning someone in would be the last resort unless they did something blatantly awful. Otherwise, I'd talk with them about why they were doing it first.

I doubt he has a permit, given his track record. And according to local zoning and DNR regulations, altering land below the OHW mark requires permission.

And yes, it will probably take him committing a serious violation before I call because he has plenty of time on his hands to retaliate in some way. I just wanted to know what to do if I need to call. Thanks for all your feedback.

[jlm]

Chucker-
Sounds like you have some legit issues with this guy. I would support reporting him to the right officials. It might be helpful to have other neighbors support this as well so that you are not singled out by this guy. Good luck with everything!

[Dave]

Maybe the guy doesn't know these activities may be illegal. Does the widening of this channel benefit anyone else? Maybe he thinks he's doing others a favor. Mybe you have already but, ask and talk to him first before calling the law.