Tourist Operators Fined $5,000
Two Red Lake tourist operators have been fined a total of $5,000 for several fishing-related offences.
Heinz Schwerdtfeger and Ingrid Schwerdtfeger, operators of Stormer Lake Wilderness Lodge in Red Lake, were charged under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Heinz Schwerdtfeger was fined $2,500 for selling baitfish without the authority of a licence. Ingrid Schwerdtfeger was fined $1,250 for making a false statement to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer, and $1,250 for being a party to fishing without a licence. They are also prohibited from selling baitfish for the next three years.
The court heard that on July 24, 2009, a conservation officer contacted a party of five non-resident anglers returning from a fishing trip at Stormer Lake. All had invalid fishing licences which had been issued by Ingrid Schwerdtfeger. The group also had baitfish purchased from Heinz Schwerdtfeger. Further investigation showed that Heinz Schwerdtfeger had purchased 800 dozen baitfish and sold 425 dozen baitfish between May and July of that year, without the authority of a licence to buy or sell baitfish.
Justice of the Peace Robert McNally heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Red Lake, on November 3, 2010.
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 also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Rick Andrews, Red Lake District, 807-727-1393
Don Maw, Red Lake District, 807-727-1341
