IT READS:

SHERIFF RAY LEMAIRE SAID:(Vermillion Parish)
The increase in fishing activity which usually occurs during this holiday season prompted Sheriff Ray LeMaire to address another fisherman’s topic-trespassing. Many fisherman assume that as long as tidal waters flow in and out of private canals that they can legally fish in these areas. Such is not the case, said LeMaire. “The supreme court has ruled that you cannot trespass in a private canal no matter if the tide ebbs and flowes there,” he said. “The supreme court has ruled that owning a private canal is just like owning private land.” We have really stepped up enforcement in trespassing,” LeMaire added, “especially on the Vermillion Cooperation Land where trespassing is almost epidemic.” Citing occurrences at his own personal camp, LeMaire said that sometimes he could not find a place to fish himself because of the trespassers. “It is really frustrating,” said LeMaire. The citations for trespassing cost between $100.00 and $500.00, depending on the number of offenses and on “the decision of the judge”, LeMaire explained. LeMaire encouraged fishermen to enjoy their support while avoiding trespassing by fishing the parish’s natural waterway and public canals.

THE US SUPREME COURT SAID:(Bay St. Louis Mississippi)
A U.S. supreme court ruling last week on state holding of wetlands has Gulf Coast residents babbling. The court upheld a 1986 Mississippi Supreme Court ruling in which Justice James Robertson wrote that the public’s domain extends anywhere a hypothetical toothpick could sail, including shallow tidal ditches of private land. The ruling which grants the state all lands influenced by ocean tides, will affect property all along the Gulf Coast. It will, in fact, affect all coastal states said Mark Cameron, a Jackson lawyer who tried the original case in 1982 for the state attorney general’s office. While some argue that the ruling is more significant for its impact on environment protection, others say the greatest affect will be on coast development. Also as a result of the ruling, property within the state’s jurisdiction will now have to be leased from the state at a rate yet to be determined. The court, by a 6-3 vote, rejected an appeal by private landowners and companies that include Philips Petroleum and a partnership called Sinque Banmbinni. The Supreme Court’s final ruling was welcomed by biologist’s, fisherman, and government officials because it gives the state complete control over the conservation of fragile wetlands, as well as submerged oil and gas reserves and guarantees the public unlimited access to all water courses.