Weekly Conservation Officer Reports
Jun 08, 2021 10:14AM ● By Editor
District 6 - Two Harbors Area - From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - June 8, 2021
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports extremely hot weather, low humidity and dry conditions made for some dangerous fire conditions in the Ely area. The Crab/Cummings Lakes area inside the BWCA were under a closure of the weekend while an active fire was fought from the air. Fishing activity was high but overall success continued to be poor.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and boaters this past week. He attended training and took several calls about northern pike regulations. Velsvaag also followed up on a call about canoers having problems in the high winds.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers on remote lakes and monitored the transportation of AIS. He also responded to several nuisance-animal calls and checked ATV riders and state parks.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) helped with annual firearms qualifications at Camp Ripley. She took calls on BWCA fishing, backcountry camping and off-highway vehicle operation. Manning also passes on a bit of advice from a local tow driver: Just because it worked in the TV commercial doesn't mean you should try it yourself. This week's example involved a car that had to be pulled out of the beach rock with a tracked groomer.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) patrolled in and out of the BWCAW this week. Training was attended at Camp Ripley. A fair fish bite was noted, even during the recent heat. Violations addressed included under 21 consumption of alcohol, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, operating an unregistered OHM, operating an OHM on a state highway, no PFDs, and glass in the BWCAW.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling and watercraft activity this past week. Schottenbauer also assisted with training other officers at Camp Ripley in addition to responding to nuisance-bear complaints and a car-hit moose.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports certifying eight students during an ATV field day held at the Cook County High School. A big thanks to the volunteers who make it all possible. Hill took a report of dumped animal carcasses in Schroeder. Enforcement action for the week focused on AIS as the area boat accesses were full of activity. One boat plug violation was handled.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked boating and fishing activity this week. Warm weather has increased fire danger once again in the area and campers are urged to watch for any burning restrictions and to make sure campfires are completely extinguished. Murray also attended Division training and investigated an illegal-burning complaint.
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports extremely hot weather, low humidity and dry conditions made for some dangerous fire conditions in the Ely area. The Crab/Cummings Lakes area inside the BWCA were under a closure of the weekend while an active fire was fought from the air. Fishing activity was high but overall success continued to be poor.
CO John Velsvaag (Ely #2) checked anglers and boaters this past week. He attended training and took several calls about northern pike regulations. Velsvaag also followed up on a call about canoers having problems in the high winds.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers on remote lakes and monitored the transportation of AIS. He also responded to several nuisance-animal calls and checked ATV riders and state parks.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) helped with annual firearms qualifications at Camp Ripley. She took calls on BWCA fishing, backcountry camping and off-highway vehicle operation. Manning also passes on a bit of advice from a local tow driver: Just because it worked in the TV commercial doesn't mean you should try it yourself. This week's example involved a car that had to be pulled out of the beach rock with a tracked groomer.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) patrolled in and out of the BWCAW this week. Training was attended at Camp Ripley. A fair fish bite was noted, even during the recent heat. Violations addressed included under 21 consumption of alcohol, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, operating an unregistered OHM, operating an OHM on a state highway, no PFDs, and glass in the BWCAW.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked area angling and watercraft activity this past week. Schottenbauer also assisted with training other officers at Camp Ripley in addition to responding to nuisance-bear complaints and a car-hit moose.
CO Kylan Hill (Tofte) reports certifying eight students during an ATV field day held at the Cook County High School. A big thanks to the volunteers who make it all possible. Hill took a report of dumped animal carcasses in Schroeder. Enforcement action for the week focused on AIS as the area boat accesses were full of activity. One boat plug violation was handled.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked boating and fishing activity this week. Warm weather has increased fire danger once again in the area and campers are urged to watch for any burning restrictions and to make sure campfires are completely extinguished. Murray also attended Division training and investigated an illegal-burning complaint.
