From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - District 6 Two Harbors Area - December 8, 2018

Last updated: 2018-01-08

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports that with the very cold temps, we may go from questionable ice to needing an extension on the ice augers in short order. With the lack of snow on the ice, some lakes now have 20 plus inches of crystal clear ice on them. A few snowmobilers and anglers were checked, but the temps have kept the outdoors fairly quiet. A few snowshoers and skiers took advantage of the bright moonlight also. Snowmobile registration issues were dealt with during the week. Snowmobilers are reminded that their registrations pay for snowmobile trails and that unregistered snowmobiles will not be overlooked.  

CO Mary Manning (Grand Marais East) worked a BWCA detail in the Ely area. The officer also followed up on issues from the previous weekend?s trout opener and this fall?s bear season.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) continued work on a pre-employment background investigation. Time was also spent checking anglers and snowmobile activity.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers and snowmobile activity. The trails are starting to improve with the recent snowfall. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile violations.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and snowmobile activity. Ice conditions continued to improve with most area lakes now having over 12 inches of ice. Subzero temperatures slowed down many anglers and snowmobilers alike. Enforcement action was taken for licensing violations and failure to transfer ownership of a snowmobile.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) finished a pre-employment background investigation on a potential new hire. Numerous cases from deer season were followed up on with enforcement action taken for several over-limits of deer and untagged deer, unlawful use of bonus tags, and deer registration violations. Fish houses were monitored for the proper markings and license tags and a few anglers were checked braving the frigid weather. Ice conditions are excellent in most areas but snowmobile trails still need more snow, although sled numbers are increasing. Additional enforcement action was taken for expired snowmobile registration and possession of marijuana.

CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports he and Officer Manning patrolled areas of the BWCA by dogsled; traffic was high with mostly day trips. Angling and snowmobile activity stepped up at the very end of the week as temperatures finally made it above zero.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) reports snowmobiles are becoming more common on the lakes and rivers as the ice becomes more reliable due to the deep freeze last week. Remember to get the registration renewed before taking the snow machine out. Ice fishermen are asked to please take all their garbage and equipment home with them at the end of the day when they are done on the ice.