BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Anglers left their mark on Minnesota's lakes this winter, and not in a good way.
The DNR shared these photos this week, showing the mess their officers are finding on the melting ice.
"Lake litter" is a bigger problem than you might think.
At Crystal Lake Beach in Burnsville, Stephanie Birdsall always wants the best environment for her daughters, Lucy and Olivia.
Sometimes she'll notice trash, though.
"When there's trash around or other things, definitely does not feel like a place you want your kids playing," said Birdsall.
DNR Conservation Officer Garrett Thomas says he's finding a lot of trash left behind on lakes following the winter.
The agency shared photos recently on their Facebook page on Red Sand Lake and Gull Lake.
They've also found abandoned fish houses and even a recliner on Lake Minnetonka.
"Using a bunch of equipment to get that stuff off," said Thomas.
There are plenty of consequences.
"Hurts the habitat and the animals," said Thomas. "If we are able to figure out who leaves the trash, they could face heavy fines."
The DNR can find ways to track people down.
Thomas says if you're caught littering, you could face fines of up to several hundred dollars.