FINES FOR NATURAL RESOURCES-RELATED OFFENCES
April 20, 2009
In unrelated matters, two men have received fines for natural resources-related offences.
In the first incident, court
heard that resource management technicians discovered what appeared to be an
unauthorized water crossing on a stream in Bordeleau Township. An investigation
by a conservation officer revealed that Michael Bean, 52, of Chapleau had constructed
the bridge to access his trap line, but had failed to obtain the appropriate
work permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
After being advised of the requirement for a permit, Bean continued to make
additions to the unauthorized bridge. He was fined $500 under the Public Lands
Act for working without a work permit and the bridge was removed.
In the second incident, a Gogama-area man has been fined $350 for illegally harvesting logs from the Spanish Forest. Marcel Hebert, 54, pleaded guilty to harvesting forest resources without a forest resource licence, a charge under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. He will also pay the stumpage owed to the Crown.
Court heard that in November 2008, a conservation officer stopped Hebert with a load of 30 freshly-cut white cedar logs on a trailer. The logs were seized during the investigation.
Justice of the Peace Murielle
Quinn presided over both cases in the Ontario Court of Justice, Chapleau, on
April 8, 2009.
The ministry reminds the public that staff is available to assist those who
require permits and authorizations.
To report a natural resource
violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll free any time or contact your
local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime
Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).