Don't Litter---A good read from the MN DNR

[Bob Schroden]

News Releases

Volume of trash in outdoors areas concerns DNR

(Released September 9, 2010)

An increased instance of household garbage being dumped in Minnesota’s great outdoors concerns the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). State conservation officers’ report that the activity ranges from Moorhead to Grand Rapids, and lots of places in between.

In many instances the culprits are easy to find. Just ask Conservation Officer (CO) Angela Graham of Hutchinson.

“I came upon a pile of garbage that was dumped at a public lake access, and while looking through the garbage I found numerous items with the violators name on them,” Graham said. The violator was issued a citation and urged to find a legal place to properly dispose of their garbage.

Some of the items discarded included bottles and cans, building supplies, furniture, and household appliances. Conservation officers have also found credit card receipts, driver’s licenses, and other personally identifiable items.

Public boating accesses, wildlife management areas, state forests, state trails; just about any place that appears “convenient” seems to be a repository for garbage. Sometimes it’s deposited along roadways.

“I recently observed occupants of a vehicle throwing garbage out the window as they traveled down the road,” said CO Gary Nordseth of Worthington. He stopped the vehicle and issued a citation.

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.

The DNR has the following tips to keep the outdoors clean:

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

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 costs money, but it also causes harm to the environment in many ways.

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 areas make sure to leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy.

[Chode2235]

There goes the DNR again, trying to tell me what I can and can't do. I wish the government would stay out of my business and let me do whatever I want. All the DNR does is add overhead and useless rules. The free market will take care of the boat landings, just like everything else.

When will they get the clue?

[ozzie]

Chode2235- You should really put a HAHA J/K somewhere in your message cause sarcasim is hard to tell by reading....(even though yours is pretty obvious- well at least I hope it is sarcasim).......

[Meat-Run]

I think somebody is fishing......

[Chode2235]

Sorry, I dont want to be misinterpreted. The above post of mine is sarcasm, and was a bit of tongue and cheek humor. No harm, no foul?

[broken_line]

did i read that i cant take a #2 with out geting a ticket in a WMA???

[Big Buck Buster]

did i read that i cant take a #2 with out geting a ticket in a WMA???

Just make sure you bury it before they see you.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Pretty sad the amount of trash along the Minnesota River. There is a spot a few miles west of the Judson landing where somebody took a huge truck load of garbage and ditched it in the river. Half of the trash pile is stuck in the bank and I'm sure there is a ton under the water.

[Ed Carlson]

Littering is bad Karma in many ways, and if the authorities don't snag you for it, "Mother Nature" will figure out a way to make things right in her own sweet time. She can find a way to pay you back, count on it.

If Sportsman step up and report and discourage such despicable behavior, the message would soon get across it's not tolerated.

Casting a blind eye on infractions just lets them think they got away with it, and they will most certainly do it again...and again, and again.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Yeah I hate to see it but I do so the most trash along the Minnesota River (more than the metro lakes I visit).

[SkunkedAgain]

Think about the little things too, for everyone who smokes and tosses their cigarette butts in our lakes and rivers. Just saw an old man on his pontoon do it last weekend on Vermilion. Pathetic that people can't act like grown-ups.