CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) spent the week investigating a wildfire in Aurora. The fire started and burned along a nearly half-mile stretch of Highway 100. Although fire services responded quickly, a structure was lost. The cause is still under investigation.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers and canoers this past week. Fishing was moderate but several groups caught “too many big fish.” Velsvaag received several questions about bears and feeding birds and nuisance beavers.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) worked a detail with an Ontario CO along the border. He was also called out for a wildfire investigation in the northwest part of the state.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers, boaters and areas closed to fishing this past week. She participated as part of the DNR Honor Guard at ceremonies at the Law Enforcement Memorial in St. Paul for Police Week and attended a firearms instructor meeting.   

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) did an extended BWCA trip with CO Huener during the week. Activity levels and fishing success were spotty, but numerous groups were found in violation of the BWCA can and glass law, with one group also in possession of marijuana. A detail was worked on Crane Lake over the weekend. Enforcement action for the week included cans/glass in the BWCA, marijuana possession, walleye overlimits, and extra lines.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling and boating activity this past week. Calls about “abandoned” fawns have started coming in already this spring. Please do not pick up fawns laying in the grass. The doe will come get it after the coast is clear.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent time in the BWCAW checking anglers. A few of them travelled long distances, got their permit, and packed all their gear but did not buy angling licenses or registration for their watercraft. He worked on Lake Superior with CO Schottenbauer checking commercial fishers and anglers. Some nice lake trout were in the bag. He also completed equipment maintenance on his patrol boat and squad. Enforcement action was taken for fishing and boating violations.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and boating activity this past week. Water temperatures remain low, making fish less active than anglers would like but a few are still catching some nice fish. Boaters are reminded to check all safety equipment and make sure lifejackets are readily accessible. But provide the best protection when they’re worn. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and licensing violations.