Investigations conducted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Resource Enforcement Division have resulted in several convictions related to the illegal use of off-road vehicles, illegal activity within wilderness reserves and illegal forestry activities.

On January 20, 2023 at Provincial Court in Harbour Grace, Christopher Hindy of Heart’s Delight-Islington and Jillian Whittle of Conception Bay South plead guilty to failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a domestic cutting permit. They received a fine of $500 each and 32 cubic meters of timber was forfeited to the Crown.

On February 22, 2023 at Provincial Court in Placentia, Brian Careen of St. Bride’s plead guilty to operating an off-road vehicle outside an approved area and operating an off-road vehicle without insurance. He received a fine of $2,000.

On March 31, 2023 at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Edward Bragg of St. John’s plead guilty to operating an off-road vehicle within the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve, entry into a reserve with no entry permit and operating an off-road vehicle outside of an approved area. He received a fine of $1,500. The convictions resulted from an investigation initiated by Resource Enforcement Officers in September 2022.A migratory bird seized during this investigation was passed over to federal conservation officers with Environment and Climate Change Canada, who served the individual a monetary penalty for illegal possession under the Migratory Bird Convention Act.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing, hunting, cutting and all-terrain vehicle activity, as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations carried out by the Resource Enforcement Division.

The public can report suspicious activity anonymously at any time, by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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