The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) wants your help reporting those responsible for illegally dumping trash around the state, specifically at access sites. IDFG uses hunter and angler dollars to maintain those locations for public use and is responsible for cleaning up the sites.
“That money could be better spent improving these access sites for our hunters and anglers,” said Curt Creson, IDFG recreation site maintenance supervisor.
“Every region deals with it to some degree, but we see it the most in the Southwest Region,” said John Cassinelli, IDFG regional fisheries manager. “Most of our problems are on the Snake River access sites, and we’ve had some repeat offenders.”
In some cases, someone dumped truckloads of trash at the access sites. In the past 10 months in Southwest Idaho alone, there are more than a dozen such instances of illegal dumping, which left mounds of trash including construction supplies, pallets, furniture, animal remains, nails, asphalt, tires and more. Some access sites have seen multiple incidents in that span.
Littering on public or private property within Idaho is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000, with the possibility of eight to 40 hours of litter cleanup.
If you witness such behavior in Idaho or any other state, contact local law enforcement.
(Photo source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game)