CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) encountered two young anglers who remembered to bring along beer which they weren’t old enough to have, and forgot things they needed like a fishing license and life jackets.  One young man told the CO that his buddy told him to look out for CO Fagerman and when we didn’t see you, we opened our beers.  Then you just showed up.  They were in a small boat with no life jackets and enough beer to get intoxicated.  They were escorted off the lake.  The CO assisted in a wildfire investigation where charges and restitution are pending.  After a very wet summer, the woods are now starting to get dry and rain is much needed.  Please obtain burning permits if required as the fire danger will start to creep up.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) followed up on nuisance bear complaints and a wolf depredation case.  The officer checked anglers and boaters and found good compliance.  Folks were not so good with fires and several left smoldering logs, stumps, and campfires - two of which needed to be extinguished by local fire personnel.  Visitors to campsites are also reminded to take trash home to dispose of it.  The fire pit is not a disposal unit for cans and plastics.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent the week focusing on angling, boating, and ATV enforcement. Wildlife calls were handled regarding nuisance animals and general questions. Some nice lakers were seen in the bag on Lake Superior.  

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and ATV activity during the week. Fishing remained good on Lake Superior and inland lakes. Calls of nuisance wildlife complaints were handled and a report of trespass is being investigated.

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports he and nine other members of the enforcement division attended Peer Counselor training over the week.  Several complaints of inspection refusals at invasive species check points were received and are being investigated. Violations included failing to allow inspection of water related equipment.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked with the county attorney on a case coming up for trial and spent time on several ongoing investigations.  A nuisance bear report was taken at a local resort.  Time was also spent on the water in and out of the BWCA.  Enforcement action for the week included fishing without licenses, no trout stamp, possession of illegal slot northerns, extra line, fail to remove drain plug, unregistered watercraft, and insufficient PFDs.