Weekly Conservation Officer Reports
Apr 13, 2021 01:24PM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - April 13, 2021
CO John Velsvaag (Ely) checked accesses, completed required training and checked on areas with previous illegal motor use. He also received calls on beaver trapping laws and accidental catches and fur-buying requirements. Ice is nearly gone from area lakes.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) reports more drivers either stuck or nearly stuck on forest roads that were until recently snowmobile-only access. Again, the mapping apps led some folks astray. Drivers are urged to talk with folks who are familiar with the road system before going out on a driving adventure. Manning checked steelhead anglers and state park visitors, took reports of nuisance beavers, and spoke with a responsible ATV owner regarding spring road and trail closures.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) spent time working the Rainy River, patrolling for ATV activity, monitoring the spring fish run, and completing departmental training. A significant influx of waterfowl was observed and a couple people reported success finding shed moose antlers. Beaver trappers are out and some incidental otter and muskrat catches have been processed. An individual drove his truck down a state snowmobile trail past numerous no motor vehicle signs, tore up the trail and a wetland, and got his vehicle stuck. Appropriate enforcement action was taken. Other violations detected included fishing after suspension of privileges, extra lines, boating safety violations, and ATV passenger under 18 without a helmet.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity this week. Time was spent at Camp Ripley for EMT training as well.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked Lake Superior stream-fishing activity and spring beaver-trapping activity. Recent rainfall in the area has made both activities more difficult with rising water levels in streams and culverts. Enforcement action was taken for illegal deer possession and a littering case is being investigated.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely) checked accesses, completed required training and checked on areas with previous illegal motor use. He also received calls on beaver trapping laws and accidental catches and fur-buying requirements. Ice is nearly gone from area lakes.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) reports more drivers either stuck or nearly stuck on forest roads that were until recently snowmobile-only access. Again, the mapping apps led some folks astray. Drivers are urged to talk with folks who are familiar with the road system before going out on a driving adventure. Manning checked steelhead anglers and state park visitors, took reports of nuisance beavers, and spoke with a responsible ATV owner regarding spring road and trail closures.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) spent time working the Rainy River, patrolling for ATV activity, monitoring the spring fish run, and completing departmental training. A significant influx of waterfowl was observed and a couple people reported success finding shed moose antlers. Beaver trappers are out and some incidental otter and muskrat catches have been processed. An individual drove his truck down a state snowmobile trail past numerous no motor vehicle signs, tore up the trail and a wetland, and got his vehicle stuck. Appropriate enforcement action was taken. Other violations detected included fishing after suspension of privileges, extra lines, boating safety violations, and ATV passenger under 18 without a helmet.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling activity this week. Time was spent at Camp Ripley for EMT training as well.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked Lake Superior stream-fishing activity and spring beaver-trapping activity. Recent rainfall in the area has made both activities more difficult with rising water levels in streams and culverts. Enforcement action was taken for illegal deer possession and a littering case is being investigated.
