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Boreal Community Media

Weekly MN DNR Conservation Officer Reports

Aug 04, 2020 07:59AM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - August 3, 2020

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) focused on boat and water enforcement over the week. Angling success continued to increase as weather conditions cooled. Violations included taking trout with no trout stamp in possession and angling with no license in possession.

CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and canoers this past week. Fishing picked up this last week and some nice walleyes were caught on the reefs. Several people asked questions about boat and jet ski regulations because of suspected illegal operation, and questions about nuisance animals continue.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked anglers, boating, AIS and ATV enforcement. He also spent time in the BWCAW. Enforcement action was taken for illegal-length fish, insufficient number of PFDs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) spent the past week patrolling state and national forests checking ATV operators, anglers and boaters. Manning also assisted with watercraft scenarios at the DNR Academy at Camp Ripley. State park use continues to be high and many visitors had to be reminded to purchase their park permit, despite numerous signs reminding them as they drive in. All parks have self-service registration kiosks available to visitors. 

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) followed up on a fireworks and camping complaint at Bear Head State Park resulting in enforcement action. An investigation into several untagged minnow traps resulted in a citation. Nuisance-bear calls were fielded. Time was spent patrolling in the BWCAW with CO Huener.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling and boating activity on remote lakes and the BWCA. Time was spent on area ATV trails as well.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports speaking to multiple business and property owners about bears getting into trash throughout the week. A very easy solution is to put up an electric fence. Those who have put up an electric fence swear by its effectiveness. ATV violations were very common, and Hill has noticed a trend of illegally operating ATVs in the lane of traffic instead of on the shoulder of the road. One person in particular was stopped for the violation, and they ended up receiving a citation because they had a juvenile passenger on board who did not have on a helmet or seatbelt. Citations were issued for PFD violations on a few boating contacts.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked boating and invasive species enforcement efforts this past week. Fishing success slowed with not many fish observed being caught. A public waters complaint was investigated and nuisance-wildlife calls were handled.
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