Weekly Conservation Officer Reports
Apr 06, 2021 05:51AM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - April 5, 2021
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity has very nearly stopped as ice conditions have become very unpredictable and dangerous. He also assisted with the investigation of several grass fires that occurred along Highway 61 near Silver Bay.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and ATV riders this past week. Ice conditions are very poor with the warm-up. Velsvaag received several calls about fishing regulations and road closures.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers trying to bag their last lake trout before the close of the season. He also spent time on border lakes checking walleye and northern pike anglers. Take precautions before you venture out as the ice is deteriorating quickly with the warmer weather.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers on area Lake Superior tributaries where the temperatures are still a bit low, but fish are starting to show up. Anglers are reminded to respect property owners? postings and stay in the riverbed where land is posted. Snow is nearly gone from roads and trails, and drivers are urged to use caution when venturing out in unfamiliar territory as mud and frost heaves are taking its place. Cook County has several fish sanctuaries and a few of those rivers were also patrolled. Manning also assisted Lake County with traffic control during a brush fire over the weekend. She also took calls about nuisance beavers and off-highway motorcycle use.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) spent time on the Rainy River and on ATV enforcement. He also testified in court on a deer case. Enforcement action included expired watercraft registration, expired ATV registration, allowing illegal operation of an ATV by a juvenile, and no helmet on ATV passengers under 18.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity along Lake Superior. On his way home Saturday, he passed a small 2-foot-by-2-foot grass fire in the ditch of Highway 61. By the time Schottenbauer was able to turn around and attempt to extinguish the fire, it had grown to at least 20 yards by 15 yards, and was climbing the cliff into the woods. Schottenbauer radioed for Silver Bay Fire, and started an investigation into the origin. As the fire department started its response, they were stopped for three more fires along Highway 61, and Schottenbauer realized there were more fires behind him. Investigation turned to notifying residences of the danger and that they may need to leave. Fire support from up and down the North Shore, and DNR air support, were able to put the fires out. One building was lost, and the fires are still under investigation.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked Lake Superior streams this past week as anglers fished the spring run of steelhead trout. Fire danger remained high over the weekend along the North Shore as most areas are now snow-free. Please check for local fire restrictions and use caution before doing any outdoor burning. A report of nuisance-wolf activity was reported and is being investigated.
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports angling activity has very nearly stopped as ice conditions have become very unpredictable and dangerous. He also assisted with the investigation of several grass fires that occurred along Highway 61 near Silver Bay.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and ATV riders this past week. Ice conditions are very poor with the warm-up. Velsvaag received several calls about fishing regulations and road closures.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers trying to bag their last lake trout before the close of the season. He also spent time on border lakes checking walleye and northern pike anglers. Take precautions before you venture out as the ice is deteriorating quickly with the warmer weather.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers on area Lake Superior tributaries where the temperatures are still a bit low, but fish are starting to show up. Anglers are reminded to respect property owners? postings and stay in the riverbed where land is posted. Snow is nearly gone from roads and trails, and drivers are urged to use caution when venturing out in unfamiliar territory as mud and frost heaves are taking its place. Cook County has several fish sanctuaries and a few of those rivers were also patrolled. Manning also assisted Lake County with traffic control during a brush fire over the weekend. She also took calls about nuisance beavers and off-highway motorcycle use.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) spent time on the Rainy River and on ATV enforcement. He also testified in court on a deer case. Enforcement action included expired watercraft registration, expired ATV registration, allowing illegal operation of an ATV by a juvenile, and no helmet on ATV passengers under 18.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity along Lake Superior. On his way home Saturday, he passed a small 2-foot-by-2-foot grass fire in the ditch of Highway 61. By the time Schottenbauer was able to turn around and attempt to extinguish the fire, it had grown to at least 20 yards by 15 yards, and was climbing the cliff into the woods. Schottenbauer radioed for Silver Bay Fire, and started an investigation into the origin. As the fire department started its response, they were stopped for three more fires along Highway 61, and Schottenbauer realized there were more fires behind him. Investigation turned to notifying residences of the danger and that they may need to leave. Fire support from up and down the North Shore, and DNR air support, were able to put the fires out. One building was lost, and the fires are still under investigation.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked Lake Superior streams this past week as anglers fished the spring run of steelhead trout. Fire danger remained high over the weekend along the North Shore as most areas are now snow-free. Please check for local fire restrictions and use caution before doing any outdoor burning. A report of nuisance-wolf activity was reported and is being investigated.
