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Boreal Community Media

Weekly Conservation Officer Reports

Mar 13, 2018 11:39AM ● By Editor
Last updated: 2018-03-13

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area trout lakes this week and snowmobile trails. Schottenbauer also continued work on a public lands squatting complaint and Academy lessons.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) focused primarily on snowmobile enforcement. The officer worked with the Cook County school and volunteer safety instructors on the snowmobile safety field test. All of the students passed and had a great time. Enforcement action was taken for loud exhaust, operating snowmobiles where prohibited and registration violations. 

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked snowmobile and angling activity during the week. Anglers are reminded to clean up all debris, including wooden blocks used to block up ice shelters, during removal. Snowmobile trail conditions are starting to degrade and become rough in some areas with recent warm weather.

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports that snowmobile activity continued to be high over the week. Despite several days of spring-like temperatures the trail system outside of town continues to be overall very good. Trout anglers are still out in high numbers with fair success reported. Violations included no ice shelter identification, angling without a license in possession, and angling with extra lines.

CO Marty Stage (Ely #2) worked snowmobile and fishing enforcement in the Ely area. There was a lot of snowmobile activity during the weekend with people taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures and remaining snow cover. The snow is melting quickly, though, and the trails are mostly ice. There is still good riding to be had on the lakes.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports snowmobile trail conditions were still pretty good over the weekend. Several nonresidents were contacted without the required trail pass and citations were issued. Other violations included several instances of snowmobile speeding, including one group of nine sleds all traveling at least 70 to 80 miles per hour on a local lake. Enforcement action was also taken for use of non-VHS free smelt as bait.


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