A man from Alaska has been charged with misdemeanor convictions after getting caught dumping trash into the Colorado River and illegally collecting fire wood in the grand canyon. He’s now on the hook for more than $1,500 in fines and $1,000 in court costs.
The U.S. Attorney’s office said evidence showed that Nels Nichols Niemi was a trip leader for a group that dumped garbage into the river daily during a 12-day trip. He’s also accused of illegally collecting driftwood to make fires each night.
The sentence was handed down earlier this month after Niemi went to trial in October.
Federal officials said the prosecution should remind Colorado River users that rules and regulations protecting the Grand Canyon will be enforced.
