Closed road turns into expensive $1,500 toll route for pair of US men

Ministry of Natural Resources Media Release

Two Minnesota residents have pleaded guilty to using a closed road.

Monty Lockman of Vadnais and Dennis Ollom of St. Paul were each fined $750 for travelling on a closed road, contrary to the Public Lands Act.

Court heard that on June 12, 2015, conservation officers contacted Lockman and Ollom, along with other members of their fishing party, and determined that the group had fished in the Brightsand River area, approximately 140 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.  Upon investigation, officers determined that the party used Brightsand Road to access their fishing area. Brightsand Road is closed to public vehicular traffic to protect remote tourism operations in the area.

Justice of the Peace Anna Gibbon heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on November 18, 2015.

To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).