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Boreal Community Media

Weekly Conservation Officer Reports

Dec 28, 2020 04:01PM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - December 28, 2020

CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) spent the past week focusing on angling and snowmobile enforcement. The snowmobile trails in the Ely area are still poor to fair, but most are useable. Violations included angling without a license in possession and operating a snowmobile with no trail sticker.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) reports a relatively quiet end to the fisher/pine marten season. The area finally got enough snow to allow for snowmobile operation, although riders should use caution on rougher sections of trail as the base layer is sufficient to conceal but not fully cushion some rocks. Manning worked with DNR Parks and Trails staff to improve signage on snowmobile trails, followed up on ATV issues, and answered questions about snowmobile operation, registration issues and angling.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked angling, snowmobile, and trapping enforcement. Several snowfalls brought the snowmobiles out, although more snow is needed to get trails in good condition. Enforcement action was taken for possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a highway vehicle on a snowmobile trail. Reminder: Altered snowmobile exhaust that increases the volume and produces sharp noises is illegal in Minnesota.

CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area trapping and angling activity. Time was also spent checking snowmobile riders ready to hit the trail, only to find out that the trails were ready to hit back due to lack of snow.

CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports the fisher and pine marten season came and went with extremely low activity despite Hill seeing decent critter sign leading up to the season. Cross-country ski enthusiasts were out in force taking advantage of the nice weather and trail conditions throughout the holiday weekend. Ski pass compliance was overall pretty good, but a fair number of people took to the trails without buying their pass. Hill expects the skiing activity to ramp up after the new year and suggests people get out early in the day to avoid large crowds and cramped parking. Snowmobile activity is beginning to rise and enforcement action was taken for registration and safety certification violations.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked trapping and angling activity during the past week. Snowmobiles were starting to show up on lakes and ditches but trails in the area are still ungroomed. Enforcement action was taken for licensing violations and a case of burning prohibited materials is being investigated.

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