New Minnesota law prohibits placing garbage and waste on the ice
Nov. 17—A new Minnesota law that took effect July 1, 2023 — known as the "Keep It Clean" bill — makes it illegal to place garbage and human or other waste on or under the ice of Minnesota's lakes and rivers. For anglers venturing onto the ice this winter, that means rubbish, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage and any other waste needs to be stored inside a shelter, motor vehicle or any other conveyance or inside a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle or conveyance, according to a news release from the Keep It Clean Coalition.
The Keep It Clean bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law in May 2023.
The fine is $100, plus administration and other fees.
Community stakeholders on Lake of the Woods started the Keep It Clean campaign a decade ago to address the growing problem of garbage and human waste left on the ice. During the 2021-2022 ice fishing season, Upper Red Lake and Mille Lacs Lake partnered with Lake of the Woods to raise awareness of the issue and address the problem on their respective lakes. As word of the collaboration spread during the 2022-2023 ice fishing season, the campaign grew to encompass thousands of lakes and continues to grow as lake associations, chambers of commerce, national parks, Minnesota soil and water conservation districts, and tourism bureaus join to protect their water resources.
"In recent years, ice fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation on Minnesota's lakes and rivers have been booming," Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism and founding member of the Keep It Clean Coalition, said in a statement. "It's exciting to see more people enjoying the outdoors, but with the increased activity has come an increase in the amount of garbage and human waste left on and under the ice. The new law helps address this problem."
Introduced by Rep. Andrew Myers, R-Tonka Bay, during the 2023 legislative session, the Keep It Clean bill was a collaborative effort among the Keep It Clean Coalition, Myers, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MN-FISH, Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates and Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
"Garbage and waste don't belong on the ice, under the ice or along our shorelines," said Robyn Dwight, president of the Upper Red Lake Association and Keep It Clean Coalition member. "Prior to this law, it was very difficult for Minnesota DNR conservation officers to enforce any anti-littering efforts. This law is a game changer and puts the focus where it should be — on individual accountability."
To help raise awareness of the law, the Keep It Clean Coalition is launching a two-year digital and print media campaign, funded by the Minnesota Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. State agencies and lake associations are also helping to spread the word.
"We're very excited about the momentum this grassroots effort is generating," said Ann Brucciani Lyon, vice chair, Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation and Keep It Clean Coalition member. "Even before the law passed, businesses around Mille Lacs reported a significant — and much welcomed — reduction in the amount of garbage visitors were leaving behind during the 2022-2023 ice fishing season due to the awareness created by the Keep It Clean campaign. Clean water and wetlands are essential for a healthy and sustainable fishery, other forms of wildlife, and for tourism."
To do your part:
* Make a plan for trash and waste removal before you hit the ice.
* Use colored garbage bags, which are easier to see.
* Do not place your garbage and waste on or under the ice; it's the law.
* Make sure all garbage is secure before departing.
* Remove all wood blocking, insulation and materials when moving a fish house.
* On the web:
For more info or to join Keep It Clean at no cost, visit
