MNR Helicopter and Canine Team Surprise Closed-Season Anglers
NEWS April 25, 2013
Two Tweed men have been fined a total of $2,000 and had their fishing licences
suspended for one year after illegally catching and keeping four bass during the
closed season.
Rodney Scott pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for catching and retaining one bass
during the closed season.
Rodney Wood pleaded guilty and was fined a total of $1,500 for catching and retaining
three bass during the closed season. Both men’s fish were seized and forfeited to the
Crown.
Court heard that on February 9, 2013, Scott and Wood were angling on Haley Lake,
north of Erinsville, near the Sheffield Conservation Area. A conservation officer and
canine team surprised the pair by arriving in a ministry helicopter. With the assistance
of the canine team, four bass were detected that were hidden in the snow.
Justice of the Peace Donna Doelman heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice,
Napanee, on April 17, 2013.
Two Men Fined For Road Work on Crown Land
Two Arden men were fined a total of $2,000 for illegally constructing a road on Crown
land.
Alvin Vanness and Kenneth Cuddy were charged with depositing material on public lands,
and with operating a pit or quarry without a licence. The men pleaded guilty and were
fined $500 for each offence – a total of $1,000 each.
The court heard that Alvin Vanness owned property that abutted Crown land in the
Kaladar area, north of Napanee. From August to October 2012, Vanness hired Ken
Cuddy to construct a road leading from his property to an existing road on Crown land.
Approximately 410 metres of the new road was constructed on Crown land. In addition, it
was found that the material for the new road had been excavated from the Crown land
next to Vanness’s property.
Justice of the Peace Donna Doelman heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice,
Napanee, on April 17, 2013.
The Ministry reminds anglers that seasons, along with catch and possession limits are
in place to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources.
To report a natural resources 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).
