A North Bay man has been convicted of illegally leaving a camper, building a wooden extension and deck, and depositing litter on Crown land.

Tracy Roy was fined a total of $1,000 and ordered to remove the extension, deck and debris from Crown land and return the site to its original condition by July 7, 2013.

On January 9, 2013, the court heard that an investigation conducted by a Ministry of Natural Resources’ conservation officer and technicians revealed that Roy had constructed the improvements in 2010 off Holdridge Lake, east of Highway 11, approximately 40 kilometres north of North Bay.

Roy claimed that the construction was essential to the exercising of his aboriginal Treaty and constitutional right to hunt and fish.The court ruled that Roy failed to prove that claim.

Justice of the Peace Michel J. Moreau rendered his decision in the Ontario Court of Justice, North Bay, on March 7, 2013. The public is reminded that any construction of cabins, trails or other permanent use of Crown land requires a free work permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local district office during regular business hours.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).