It's a new year. A new group of lawmakers and a new DNR Chief is in place. I thought this might be a good time to echo some thoughts I had conveyed here this past July. I do this with hopes that these people in power, simply, use some common sense and with hopes they consider the following thoughts that most of their constituency agrees with me on. I challenge them to change the law I speak to below.

From July 1, 2010

Reading today's headline about "DNR ramping up the fight" makes me ask the same question, among others, that is frustrating to say the least. Now do NOT take me wrong. No one is more concerned about the well-being of our lakes than I. And I will gladly do all I can to keep them in the fine shape they are now, well into the future.

But I think it's a shame, and maybe legally wrong, to accuse a boater or angler of spreading invasive species of sorts, BEFORE they do! I can have a great day on the water, but dread coming to the boat ramp for fear I will trap some weeds on my trailer, not easily removed, while others are in line to launch their boat. And like many, I have to jump through almost impossible hoops to save my investment in live bait, so I can use it for another trip? It just ain't right....

What crime is committed LEAVING the lake with stuff hanging on the trailer or water in the livewell? Can I be accused BEFORE the fact, of a crime? Shouldn't the crime be to bring the stuff TO THE LAKE, not FROM the lake? Assuming I will transfer the stuff back into a new lake, surely seems to contradict the law that says "innocent until proven guilty". This is like assuming I will speed on the hiway, and tag me as I drive out my driveway! I for one, think this needs to be challenged and changed. I challenge lawyers to take this scenario on.

Why not write the tickets to boats backing down the ramp with the stuff hanging on the fenders? Or at least look and or analyze the water in their livewells as they back INTO the lake...not OUT of the lake! If they went home the trip before and cleaned the trailer and livewell, which sometimes needs a hose and or a rake to get done right, they have done NOTHING to harm a lake. If they bring bait home from the lake, in lake water, and change it into well water in their livewells, and return to the lake, what crime have they committed?

All power to the DNR in their efforts to protect our waters. But I think it's a crime to accuse someone of "transfering" invasive species when, in fact, there is ZERO PROOF of such an act if ticketed on the way home. I beg our courts to re-look at this. Why should I and others dread coming to the boat ramp after a great day on our lakes? Innocent days, to say the least! Contact Steve at 651-270-3383 or sf1954@embarqmail.com