Frontpage -> Features -> Ag & Outdoor -> DNR Talking trash

DNR Talking trash

fish house with trash

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.

Comments

RSS

Only registered users can write comments!

Star Gazing

"Dix" Reunion

The 27th Anniversary

Reunion of Dix Cafe will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday Aug. 5th at Lakeside View Restaurant Barnum.
All former employees and fiends invited. For info call Lou at 218-372-3504

Library on Wheels,

ALS Bookmobile Schedule

The 2010 summer reading season is here. Visit your library on wheels, the Arrowhead Library System bookmobile. Local stops and times include:
Tuesday; August 10, 31; September 21
Wright - School    1:15 - 1:45
Cromwell - Main Street    2:00 - 2:45
Mahtowa - Store    3:45 - 4:30

Hope Nursery School

Minnesota’s longest running private preschool program, currently has openings for children age 3-5 for the 2010-2011 school year. Classes are Tuesday & Thursday from 9:00 - 11:30. Please contact Emily at 218-391-0797 for more information.

Our Lady of Fatima

100th Anniversary

August 15, 2010 Our Lady of Fatima in McGrath, MN
100th Anniversary 11:00 Mass Luncheon to follow.
Historical displays available

BHS CLASS OF ‘80

30 YEAR REUNION Aug 13 - 15

If you have not received any info on the reunion, please send a note to barnumclassof80@hotmail.com and we’ll let you know the details!

Winter Texan Annual Jam

Moose Lake City park. Aug. 2nd & 3rd 8: a.m. to dusk and Aug. 4th 8: a.m. to noon. Music, dancing, all welcome. Come and join the fun.

Barnum Kinder-Camp

Barnum school is offering a three day mini-camp for children entering kindergarten this fall. August 3rd - 5th from 9 to 11 a.m. at the elementary school. Instructors will be Kindergarten teachers. Pre-registration is necessary. Mini-camp is free of charge and great way for your child to get familiar with the new surroundings. Sign up by calling 389-0180 or 389-3001 or email: sraisane@barnum.k12.mn

City-wide garage sale

August 7th, call the Depot to list your sale at 485-4234

Donations

wanted for Depotfest.

Needed good clean items. No clothes or electronics. Please call 485-4234

MLAHS Depotfest

14th annual will happen on August 7th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Music by Pinewoods Landing with White Elephant sale and silent auction. Brats, Polish and hot dogs served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Depot and Annex open free of charge.

To our Classmates,

Class of 1950:

Your reunion committee is reminding you of the reunion Friday, August 20, 3:30 p.m. Gamper’s in Moose Lake. Ordering from the menu, so don’t send money, Please RSVP to:
Betty Weske PO Box 71
Moose Lake, MN 55767 or
fabweske@yahoo.com

Hwy. 61 Folks Festival

Friday August 6th thru Sunday August 8th. Featuring singer/songwriter contest on Saturday. Family friendly in Mahtowa, of course!

Mahtowa Farm Market

Every Sunday, 10: to 2:, downtown Mahtowa. Demos, food, large variety of vendors, fun.

Classic Car Rendezvous

Every Sunday, 10: to 2:, downtown Mahtowa. Free brat for every driver.

Brickyard Days

Wrenshall Fri-Sat, Aug. 6-7th! All class reunion on Fri. nite. Organizations, vendors, booth operators, or volunteers wanted. Call 384-9929, brickyarddays@msn.com or attend open meetings on Mondays thru May at 6:00 p.m., Wrenshall City Hall.

A look inside

Stats report: click here email: Webmaster

!joomlacomment 4.0 Copyright (C) 2009 Compojoom.com . All rights reserved."