New Minnesota law addresses one of the most commonly received complaints in winter to Conservation Officers
Dec 01, 2023 10:39AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: MN DNR
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media Exclusive - December 1, 2023
A new Minnesota state law that is currently in effect addresses one of the most commonly received complaints to Minnesota DNR Conversation Officers: litter left behind on ice.
In a Facebook post shared earlier this week, the Minnesota DNR noted that the reason for the law became necessary due to the increased dumping of sewage (defined by the statute as "Excrementitious or other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals") from permanent ice houses. However, the law has an impact on anyone who recreates on the ice, to ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors without encountering garbage, and for the health of local lakes.
Items such as garbage, fireworks debris, offal, dead animals, litter, cigarette butts or filters, etc are not to be left unless "placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance; and not placed directly on the ice or in state waters."
Violators can be fined a $100 fee and charged with a petty misdemeanor.
The DNR suggests having a plan to store garbage while recreating on the ice, including storing it in your vehicle, and bringing garbage bags or other receptacles that won't break in the cold. Suggestions also include packing the right tools to secure waste and waste reciprocals to vehicles.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media Exclusive - December 1, 2023
A new Minnesota state law that is currently in effect addresses one of the most commonly received complaints to Minnesota DNR Conversation Officers: litter left behind on ice.
In a Facebook post shared earlier this week, the Minnesota DNR noted that the reason for the law became necessary due to the increased dumping of sewage (defined by the statute as "Excrementitious or other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals") from permanent ice houses. However, the law has an impact on anyone who recreates on the ice, to ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors without encountering garbage, and for the health of local lakes.
Items such as garbage, fireworks debris, offal, dead animals, litter, cigarette butts or filters, etc are not to be left unless "placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance; and not placed directly on the ice or in state waters."
Violators can be fined a $100 fee and charged with a petty misdemeanor.
The DNR suggests having a plan to store garbage while recreating on the ice, including storing it in your vehicle, and bringing garbage bags or other receptacles that won't break in the cold. Suggestions also include packing the right tools to secure waste and waste reciprocals to vehicles.
