Question: I have about an acre of undeveloped, wooded land attached to my property. I am working to clear this lot of brush and small trees, but some of the neighbors continue to dump leaves, yard waste and in one case, almost five yards of dirt.  I have asked them to stop and posted no trespassing signs with … negative results. Is there a way to make them stop? — Wil from Niles

Answer: Wil, I contacted DNR to reference this question and was told this does fall under littering and, of course, trespassing. You have posted the signs and if they have been notified of the uninvited visits they are making, the neighbors could be charged. As for the dumping, we would need proof, such as video and/or photos (or someway to identify they were the dumpers) for any type of charges.
MCL 750.552A states “….did dump, deposit or place filth, garbage, or refuse on the grounds or premises of (said person), without the specific permission of said person.”  This is a 90 day misdemeanor and/or $500 fine.
MCL 750.552 states “….did (a) enter the lands or premises of  (name or owner) without lawful authority, after having been forbidden to do so by (name of owner)  who was the (owner, occupant, agent of the owner or agent of the occupant) of said lands or premises (b) remained without lawful authority on the lands or premises, after being notified to depart therefrom of said lands or premises, and (c) entered or remained without lawful authority on fenced or posted farm property of (name owner) without the consent of the owner, his or her lessee or agent. This is a 30 day misdemeanor and/or $50 fine.
Next week starts a 12 week “Smart Summer 2011” campaign. This is sponsored by the Cass County ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drugs) Safety Solutions (C.A.S.S.). This program will consist of a question each week directed at the parents to initiate conversations with their children. With this question will be tips on how to initiate the conversation with the child along with some solutions to the issue. It will also discuss monitoring and creating activities for the summer months.  I am looking forward to starting this portion of this article. This will be extremely helpful over the summer months with topics such as children being home alone, computer safety, and, of course, drugs and alcohol.