Unauthorized Trail Work In Conservation Reserve Costs Resident $5,000
A resident of Haliburton County has been fined for undertaking unauthorized trail work in the Clear Lake Conservation Reserve located along the south shore of Red Pine Lake.
Larry Hewitt, of West Guilford, pleaded guilty to constructing a trail on public land and to constructing a trail in a conservation reserve, both without the authority of a work permit. Hewitt was fined $2,500 and is also to make a donation to the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association in the amount of a further $2,500.
Court heard that between June and August 2008, Hewitt made improvements and alterations to an old logging trail that crossed the Clear Lake Conservation Reserve along the south shore of Red Pine Lake using heavy machinery. A 2.9-kilometre section of trail contained approximately nine sites where major work had been done without a work permit under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act. As well, work was done without permit under the Public Lands Act on a 400-metre section of trail crossing adjoining Crown land. The requirements for a work permit were known to Hewitt before the work was started. The Clear Lake Conservation Reserve was regulated in 1997 and is approximately 1,300 hectares (3,200 acres) in size.
Justice of the Peace Dianne Ballum heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden, on August 6, 2009.
To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Kevin Hoare, Bancroft District, 705-286-5219
Mike Ladouceur, Bancroft District, 613-332-3940, Ext. 238
