CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) focused on snowmobile speed enforcement over the past week. The violation rate was found to be high over the weekend with several citations issued. There has also been a recent rash of people attempting to drive cars and trucks on snowmobile trails and becoming very stuck. Visitors are asked to be observant of snow-covered roads they are unfamiliar with and to keep an eye out for snowmobile trail markers.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and snowmobilers this past week. He also assisted the U.S. Border Patrol on a snowmobile work detail. Fishing has been slow on area lakes and Velsvaag continues to get questions on pike regulations and border lakes fishing laws.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time in the BWCAW checking anglers. A detail with area officers was worked along the U.S./Canada border. Enforcement action was taken for angling, snowmobile and BWCAW violations.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily crappie anglers and snowmobile and ski trail enforcement. Several snowmobiles going more than 25 MPH over the speed limit were stopped and cited while working with CO Hopkins over the weekend. Fishing is still slow and snowmobile trail conditions were deteriorating rapidly by the end of the weekend. A complaint resulted in a citation for cutting a tree in a state park. Additional enforcement action included angling for fish in a closed season, minor consumption of alcohol, registration display issues, and no ski pass.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling and snowmobiling activity. Time was spent on a border waters detail, and on equipment maintenance as well.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports hitting the ski and snowmobile trails throughout the past week. The snow is starting to deteriorate on the snowmobile trails and the groomers are doing everything they can to keep up. Hill hit border lakes and checked for fishing activity. A few anglers were coached on how to utilize their fish after it was determined they had tossed a few northern pike on the ice and never brought them into the cabin. Some nice jumbo perch were seen in the bucket along with eater-sized walleyes. Hill was in contact with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency after Hill took a call about a plow truck leaking hydraulic fluid on the road, possibly causing an environmental concern.