There is a ‘Meth Lab Awareness’ Page on the Minnesota DNR Website

I just wanted to see what the DNR officers were up to in our area this past week when I looked to the left of my screen and saw "Meth Lab Awareness". It took me by surprise, considering I was looking for stories about animals being helped, not drug operations.

Of course, I clicked on it and was greeted with a bright green warning at the top of the screen:

More and more illegal methamphetamine labs are being set up on public lands - state forests, state parks, wildlife managements areas, etc.

While out hunting, hiking, nature viewing or doing other outdoor activities, if you see what appears to be a methamphetamine lab, contact your local law enforcement agency or conservation officer immediately.

This alert page was posted with the information provided by the Chisago County Sherriff's office. They gave a list of items to be on the lookout for when spending time outdoors:

• Aluminum foil
• Blender
• Bottles
• Cheesecloth or coffee filters
• Funnels
• Gas can
• Hot plate
• Jugs
• Paper towels
• Propane tank/thermos
• Pyrex dishes
• Rubber gloves/tubing
• Strainer
• Tape/clamps
• Thermometer

There is also a list of household chemicals to be suspicious of if you find them in places where they shouldn't be. Things like cleaners and batteries are all safe if used properly, but mixed together can be very dangerous.

If you see something suspicious, make it known to local authorities and conservation officers. The best way to keep our parks, trails, and public places clean is to all do our part to keep them that way. Like my high school science teacher always said, we are borrowing this planet from our future generations.