In This Issue
Every winter, hundreds of thousands of anglers head for the frozen water to fish. Most ice anglers clean up after themselves, but some don?t ? and it?s their behavior that was the impetus for a new litter-on-ice law the Minnesota Legislature passed earlier this year.
Ice conditions so far this season have been highly variable and safety has to be anglers? top priority. As anglers venture out, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds them that the new law requires people to secure their trash in a container such as a bucket, garbage bag or trash bin, and makes clear that depositing sewage ? whether from animals or humans ? on the ice is prohibited. The latter, particularly as it relates to human waste, has been an increasing problem in recent years, with some owners of deluxe fish houses (also known as wheelhouses) dumping their holding tanks on the ice before heading for shore.
The new law makes it easier for conservation officers and other law enforcement personnel to take enforcement action against people who leave trash and waste on the ice.
?Most anglers leave nothing more than an impression on the ice, and many of them actually take the time to clean up after others because they know trash and waste left on the ice is an eyesore and environmental and human health concern,? said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. ?We certainly appreciate that mindset, but the reality is we expect all anglers to bring off the ice whatever they brought on. This law will help all of us ensure that happens.?
The new statute reads: ?A person using a shelter, a motor vehicle, or any other conveyance on the ice of state waters may not deposit garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage, or any other waste outside the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance, unless the material is: 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. For the purposes of this section, ?sewage? means excrementitious or other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals, together with such other water as may be present.?
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First Day Hikes will take place at 12 Minnesota state parks on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, as part of a nationwide effort to connect people with the outdoors.
In an initiative spearheaded by the America?s State Parks organization, hikers in all 50 states will take guided walks on New Year?s Day. These hikes welcome people to spend time during the first day of the new year outdoors exercising and connecting with nature. For many people, it has become a tradition.
First Day Hikes will be held at Afton, Blue Mounds, Forestville Mystery Cave, Fort Snelling, Frontenac, Lake Bemidji, Mille Lacs Kathio, Minneopa, Nerstrand-Big Woods, Tettegouche, Whitewater and Wild River state parks. Find details about all 12 programs at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource?s First Day Hikes webpage (mndnr.gov/firstdayhike).
These events are free to participate in, but some require advance registration. In addition, vehicle permits ($7 per day or $35 for a year-round permit) are required at Minnesota state parks. Visitors can save time and purchase permits in advance on the state park vehicle permits webpage (mndnr.gov/permit), or buy a permit in person during open hours at park offices.
For many of these events, if there is sufficient snow, the event will be held on snowshoes. Participants can bring their own snowshoes or borrow a set at no charge. Check the event?s online listing to learn if snowshoe reservations are available and if there is enough snow for snowshoeing at that location.
Hikers are advised to wear boots and dress in layers so clothing can be adjusted as needed. For those who are new to winter outdoor recreation, or are new to Minnesota, the DNR winter guide offers suggestions on how to dress for winter (mndnr.gov/dressforwinter).
The DNR encourages anyone unable to attend a guided hike to get out with friends and family on New Year?s Day for their own self-guided hike. Trails can be found on the DNR?s Hiking in Minnesota webpage (mndnr.gov/hiking).
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