Weekly Conservation Officer Reports
Mar 22, 2021 03:17PM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - March 22 2021
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity tapered off with deteriorating ice conditions and slowing angler success. However, there was still a good number of anglers spread across Ely-area lakes mostly targeting lake trout. The fire danger increased as more areas became snow-free and several fires popped up.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers this past week. Ice conditions are still good but starting to decline. He also checked some ATV riders and followed up on litter complaints.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) saw most of the area snow melt away, leaving trails and portages bare. Lake conditions are slightly better, but angling has been slow and very wet. Snow melt-off and windy conditions also means restrictions to burning permits. One homeowner was contacted regarding a pile that had flared back up and had a small amount of illegal material.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked an investigation resulting in unattended-lines violations and a deer-hunting investigation from last fall resulting in a citation for taking a doe without a permit. Anglers were checked coming out of the BWCAW. Ice conditions are deteriorating very rapidly. Time was also spent monitoring closed ATV trails.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area trout lakes and tributaries. Time was also spent watching mud-covered snowmobiles trying to ride one last time. Low snow amounts and the lack of rain are making for some ripe spring fire conditions in the area.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and ATV activity during the week. Most anglers have switched to Lake Superior stream and shore-fishing opportunities as shallow inland ice conditions are starting to deteriorate. Spring fire restrictions started this week as exposed areas of grass emerge, increasing wildfire danger. Enforcement action was taken for license violations and a shoreland complaint was investigated.
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity tapered off with deteriorating ice conditions and slowing angler success. However, there was still a good number of anglers spread across Ely-area lakes mostly targeting lake trout. The fire danger increased as more areas became snow-free and several fires popped up.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers this past week. Ice conditions are still good but starting to decline. He also checked some ATV riders and followed up on litter complaints.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) saw most of the area snow melt away, leaving trails and portages bare. Lake conditions are slightly better, but angling has been slow and very wet. Snow melt-off and windy conditions also means restrictions to burning permits. One homeowner was contacted regarding a pile that had flared back up and had a small amount of illegal material.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked an investigation resulting in unattended-lines violations and a deer-hunting investigation from last fall resulting in a citation for taking a doe without a permit. Anglers were checked coming out of the BWCAW. Ice conditions are deteriorating very rapidly. Time was also spent monitoring closed ATV trails.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area trout lakes and tributaries. Time was also spent watching mud-covered snowmobiles trying to ride one last time. Low snow amounts and the lack of rain are making for some ripe spring fire conditions in the area.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked angling and ATV activity during the week. Most anglers have switched to Lake Superior stream and shore-fishing opportunities as shallow inland ice conditions are starting to deteriorate. Spring fire restrictions started this week as exposed areas of grass emerge, increasing wildfire danger. Enforcement action was taken for license violations and a shoreland complaint was investigated.
