HURLEY -- A Cincinnati man who owns property on Long Lake in Iron County has been fined $10,000 for violating state wetlands protection laws.

Lynn Tyson was assessed the fine by Iron County Judge Patrick Madden after entering a no contest plea on Dec. 18.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said the fine settled a lawsuit filed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Van Hollen said Tyson allowed fill to be placed in a northern cedar swamp near the shore of his Long Lake property, in the Oma area.

Tyson failed to provide notice and obtain written confirmation that the fill would be consistent with the requirements of state wetland protection laws.

The fill was placed to create a fire pit, to facilitate tree removal, and to back-blade a path from Tyson's home to the lake, Van Hollen said in a press release announcing the decision.

Tyson has cooperated by removing fill.

Under terms of the settlement, Tyson agreed to pay $1,000 in Department of Natural Resources investigative costs and $1,000 to the Department of Justice, in addition to the $8,000 fine imposed by Madden.

The settlement agreement requires Tyson to remove any remaining fill, restore the wetland vegetation on his property, and monitor the disturbed area to ensure that invasive or non-native species do not become established.

"The law is clear. Those wishing to place fill in wetlands must first seek and obtain a permit from the DNR," Van Hollen said. "This process ensures the state's waters are protected for the benefit of Wisconsin citizens and the environment. The Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure compliance with the law."