Weekly Conservation Officer's report - June 5 update
Jun 05, 2017 10:21PM ● By EditorDistrict 6 - Two Harbors area
Last updated: 2017-06-05CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports an extended Memorial Day week BWCA patrol with CO Lawler. Activity levels were fairly high and several cases were made in regards to BWCA rules and illegal drugs. Immediately after returning CO Bermel was called out to return to the BWCA to assist with a search and rescue operation for a very overdue group that had managed to get a text message out that they needed help. CO Bermel and CO Williams paddled a portion of the search area before they were found by helicopter.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers, boaters and worked invasive species enforcement. Officer Wahlstrom completed investigations on ATV and angling complaints. Enforcement action was taken for extra lines and illegally transporting fish.
CO Sean Williams (Ely) assisted the St. Louis County Rescue Squad with another search in the BWCA. The two canoeists who were overdue by three days, had sent a message for help almost a week before rescuers were called giving their position somewhere near Ramshead and Oyster lake. Officer Williams and Bermel, with the help of the USFS, flew into the BWCA and began searching the area until dark. Air units from the State Patrol and National Guard arrived to take up the night search. Fortunately the aircraft spotted them just after midnight when they signaled them using a flashlight. Both victims were lifted out and brought directly to the Ely hospital.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) handled several wildlife calls of nuisance bear activity and fawns being found that were thought to be orphaned. Fishing activity remained good on Lake Superior and water recreation activities are in full swing. Officer Murray also took a call of trespass and worked ATV trail activity.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked area boat accesses checking anglers and boaters and enforcing aquatic invasive regulations. The officer also patrolled ATV trails and state forest roads and took a call regarding operation on private property. Officer Manning also took a report of a nuisance bear checking out cabins and garages.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked remote lakes and the BWCAW this week. Time was also spent with multiple fawns left at the Silver Bay School that were either being chased by children, or reported as orphaned; one was removed from a residence. CO Schottenbauer also dealt with a beaver problem area. There was also a report of a young bear getting into food left out at walk-in camp sites at Tettegouche State park.
CO Marty Stage (Ely) found fishing to be slower but still good in the BWCAW on Basswood. The officer encountered groups during the week without the proper number of PFD?s in their canoes, as well as canoes from out of state lacking required registration.
CO Darrin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports black fly season is in full swing. Black flies are not protected in Minnesota so there is no limit. Take as many as you want. The CO was surprised to find a youngster in the middle of nowhere on top of a high ridge. When asked what the young man was doing, he stated that he left camp to find some cell service so he could use his mobile device. He seemed to be happy and oblivious to the hundreds of biting black flies that were surrounding his head.