CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) presented at the International Wolf Center wildlife career day in Ely. Students from across the country and ranging in age from 15 to 50 attended the event, which showcased several professions over a wide range of disciplines. Violations for the week included failure to display current watercraft registration and operating a watercraft with no life-saving device.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and boaters this past week. Angling was slow and the weather kept boating down a bit. Velsvaag took several calls about angling slot limits and marten trapping regulations.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked area anglers and ATV operators. Enforcement action was taken for a juvenile passenger without a helmet and operating without required equipment. Folks are also reminded that golf carts are not ATVs and may not be legally operated on county roads. Manning responded to camper issues in the state park campground, checked boaters on inland lakes, and helped out at the DNR Academy at Camp Ripley.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports encountering a large permit fire that consisted primarily of prohibited materials, including two sheds that had been bulldozed into a pile and great deal of all types of garbage, furniture, etc. The Embarrass Fire Department was called to put out the fire and a citation was issued to the landowner. Other enforcement action included two citations for not having an angling license and failure to have a driver’s license and proof of insurance.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity in the area. Warm and humid weather brought a new crop of biting flies to the area, but folks were still found out enjoying the outdoors. More time was also spent at Academy 18 assisting with shotgun qualifications.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers and boaters on area lakes. Time was spent on equipment maintenance and handling wildlife calls. Enforcement action was taken for boating violations.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked boating and angling activity during the week. Fishing was fairly slow in most areas with wind and rain making it hard to get out on the lake. Murray took calls of nuisance animal complaints and answered questions about the upcoming bear season. Blueberry crops in the area are looking good with many people observed out harvesting them.