Thunder Bay Anglers Fined by MNR
Anglers Fined $1,040 For Trespassing
September 15, 2010
Four Thunder Bay residents have been fined a total of $1,040 for trespassing to fish.
Michael Kopanski and Laurie Kopanski were fined $220 each, and Daniel Niemi and Danna Niemi were fined $300 each. All fish caught were forfeited to the Crown.
The court heard that on July 4, 2010, conservation officers stopped the group travelling by truck on a closed road that branches off of Graham Road and leads to Wapikaimaski Lake, northwest of Ignace. Wapikaimaski is a remote fly-in lake and road restrictions are in place.
Justice of the Peace Edith Baas heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ignace, on August 24, 2010.
The ministry reminds anglers that they may access Wapikaimaski Lake by traditional methods, such as portaging from adjacent lakes, but may not use motorized vehicles to travel directly to the lake.
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).
