New law aids campaign to curb winter litter on lakes

Angling on Frozen Minnesota Lakes Creates Trash Problem

Angling on frozen Minnesota lakes is a popular winter sport, but tens of thousands of anglers spending a day or a weekend on a lake creates a perennial trash problem.

New Law to Combat Trash Dumping on Ice

A new law passed this year by the state legislature makes it easier to fine those who dump trash and waste on the ice.

The Keep It Clean Initiative

Mike Hirst with the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District has been working to educate anglers for more than a decade through the Keep It Clean initiative.

He said many people think their trash doesn’t make a difference.

“But you multiply that by the 10,000 people that could be on there on a busy weekend and that can really add up,” Hirst said.

Expanding Educational Campaign

The Keep It Clean organization started on Lake of the Woods and spread to Upper Red Lake and Mille Lacs Lake. The initiative has taken off in the past year with more than 50 Minnesota lakes involved in the educational campaign.

“It’s growing quickly as more and more people are hearing about it,” said Ann Brucciani with the Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation. “It’s a statewide problem. In fact, we’re talking to people in North Dakota, Canada, Wisconsin, Iowa. It’s an ice belt issue.”

Environmental Impacts of Trash Dumping

Garbage and human waste dumped on the ice creates a cleanup mess for local resorts and property owners but also has environmental impacts.

“It affects the fishery, it affects the wildlife around the area,” said Brucciani Lyon. “And it affects any lakes or rivers that flow from these lakes into other areas of our state.”

New Law to Deter Offenders

Brucciani Lyon says educational efforts have helped reduce trash on Mille Lacs Lake and she hopes the new law, which could cost offenders nearly $200 in fines and court fees, will get the attention of remaining scofflaws.

Improving Infrastructure for Trash Collection

The Keep It Clean group plans to be back at the Legislature next year to ask for funding to improve infrastructure for trash collection and disposal of sewage from increasingly popular wheeled fish houses.

“These wheeled fish houses are fairly new technology and the infrastructure to take the septic waste is limited,” said Hirst. We have two winter RV dump stations around Lake of the Woods. But that’s not the norm for most lakes, most lakes don’t have any.”

Hirst is hopeful lawmakers will establish a grant program so local lake organizations across the state can decide the best approach to managing trash on their lakes.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:

• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets:

• Indicator 6.3.1: Percentage of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
• Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article highlights the issue of trash and waste being dumped on frozen lakes during winter angling activities in Minnesota. This connects to several SDGs, including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Based on the article’s content, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified. Target 6.3 aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials. Target 14.1 focuses on preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. Target 15.1 aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. Indicator 6.3.1 measures the percentage of bodies of water with good ambient water quality, indicating improvements in water quality. Indicator 14.1.1 assesses the index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density, providing insights into the reduction of marine pollution. Indicator 15.1.1 measures the forest area as a proportion of total land area, indicating progress in the conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: mprnews.org

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