$2,000 in Fines for Crown Land Offences
Patrick Sanders was found guilty in a trial in absentia and was fined $1,500 and $500 for exceeding the limit of 21 days allowed for camping on Crown land and for dumping garbage on Crown land respectively.An Atikokan man has been fined a total of $2,000 for Crown land offences under the Public Lands Act.
Court heard that on July 14, 2015, a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officer was on patrol when he discovered a campsite at Mud Lake on Hwy. 622, northwest of Atikokan. Upon investigation, it was determined that the campsite was occupied by Sanders and that he had exceeded the 21 day period that is allowed for camping on Crown land. On August 21, 2015, another conservation officer found a reclining living room chair at the Eye Lake campground near Valerie Falls Road; investigation revealed that it had been left behind by Sanders.
Justice of the Peace Ronald Beck heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Atikokan, January 28, 2016.
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 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).
