Creek damage nets fine

A Dryden man has been fined $1,000 for filling in a creek shoreline without a work permit.
Ronald Rostek, 54, owner of R.B. Rostek Construction, who did not attend the trial, was found guilty under the Public Lands Act.
He also was ordered to pay a third of the cost of rehabilitating the shoreline to its original state.
Court was told that between Oct. 1 and Nov. 28, 2005, Rostek allowed a large amount of gravel, rocks, and sand to fill the shore and creek bed of Swanson’s Creek in Dryden as he tried to raise the ground level and stabilize a client’s property.
The Ministry of Natural Resources office in Dryden District ordered him to stop working on Nov. 28 after discovering he didn’t have a work permit.
Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case Jan. 30 in Dryden.
The ministry reminds the public, particularly contractors and operators of equipment, that permits are required when working around waters and shorelines.
To report a natural resource violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).