Prospector frames

[Travis Schallock 28]

What is law regarging leaving a frame up for a prospector tent? I see many of them left up after hunting season, or sometimes in the spring. I realize you can't leave a campsite set up for more than 21 days. But when is it considered a camp site? If there is no problem leaving up a frame, can it have a floor built as well, 4ft walls? All on crown land of course.

Thanks

[Guest MNR]

Under the Public Lands Act, it is an offence to take possession of public lands without lawful authority or to place any material, substance or thing (ie moose shack), on public lands without written consent of the MNR. Notwithstanding that it is an offence, MNR’s Free Use Policy (PL 3.03.01) allows certain activities (such as recreational camping) to be carried out on crown land free of charge on a temporary basis. An individual site may only be occupied for a maximum of 21 days in a calendar year. After 21 days, the camping unit must be moved a minimum of 100 metres to a new site. Occupation of Crown land is a privilege that may be controlled from time to time and from place to place depending on what is perceived by the Area Supervisor to be in the broad public interest. For example, a busy boat launch area could be posted to “no overnight camping” or restrict the days to less than 21.

No one wants to see the remnants of your hunting camp left behind after you have gone.

Other free use activities that may exceed the 21 day rule and do not require MNR’s preauthorization to utilize crown land include:

- forest industry harvesting equipment and supporting mobile accommodation buildings (excluding locations extensively used by the public ie access points)

- Mining industry buildings on unpatented mining claims used by the holder of the claim.

- Commercial baitfish harvesters camping on crown land within their harvest area.

- Bear baiting stations established for licensed bear hunting.

- Ice fishing shacks located over Crown owned lake or river beds.

Exceptions to free uses include:

A restricted travel zone declared under the Forest Fires Prevention Act.

Public lands that are posted or otherwise marked to prohibit all or some activities.

Public lands on which land use occupational authority has already been granted.

Under the authority of the Public Lands Act, tthe Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) can seize a structure (ie hunt camp) that occupies crown land without authority. (see reference to Free Use Policy below) Officers will post a notice on the building informing the owner that they have 15 days (minimum period) to remove the structure. The notice will also state that if the building remains after the stated period it will become the property of the crown and may be sold, disposed of, or destroyed under the direction of the Minister of Natural Resources. During the 15 day period, no one is allowed to occupy the building. Charges can be laid under the Public Lands Act for the unauthorized occupation and any costs associated with the removal of the structure can be ordered by the courts to be reimbursed to the Crown.