From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - District 6 - Two Harbors area - July 31, 2018

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) spent time patrolling for ATV activity in Ely. Heavy use was observed over the Blueberry/Arts Festival weekend and with it came a high violation rate. Violations included failure to display ATV registration, operating an OHM on a roadway, and operating an unregistered OHM.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers this past week. He also handled multiple complaints about nuisance animals and fielded informational calls. Velsvaag also attended a meeting at which public access issues were discussed.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) assisted with firearms training at the Enforcement Academy at Camp Ripley. Manning also answered questions on BWCAW camping and regulations, handled a report of an injured hawk, and conducted patrols in an area of ATV complaints.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily lakes in and out of the BWCA and ATV enforcement. Bermel watched a group of four anglers in two boats each fishing with extra lines. Upon approach they all tried to quickly reel in their extra lines. A citation was issued to each. Other enforcement action included no navigational lights after sunset, expired watercraft registration, no PFD, and cans in the BWCA.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked at Camp Ripley for another week. He assisted with Academy 18 firearms training.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) assisted with firearms training at the CO Academy.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked ATV and fishing activity during the week. Warm weather has slowed fishing success and spurred more water recreation activities. Murray took calls of nuisance wildlife complaints and followed up on state campground violations.