Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Feb 03, 2026 05:33AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - February 3, 2026
Last updated: 2026-02-02
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports snowmobile activity was the focus as much warmer weather arrived in time for the annual snowmobile fun run. Trail conditions held out well despite the increase in traffic and a very low violation rate was noted. Violations included snowmobile speed and failure to display current snowmobile registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week checking ATV and snowmobile operators. Ihnen also patrolled for fishing and spearing activity. Additional time was spent monitoring fish house compliance on area lakes and public access sites.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) patrolled area lakes and trails on a snowmobile. Some lucky ice anglers put a couple monster lake trout on the ice. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile and angling activity.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) received several calls over the week about bobcats, lynx, and wolves moseying their way near people’s homes and businesses. People are reminded to secure pets, livestock, and spaces that might entice unwanted animals into the area. Time was also spent patrolling angling and snowmobiling activity. Work on an ongoing investigation continues.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked on an ongoing case, spent time on Bear Committee items, and patrolled on snowmobile. The weekend brought extremely heavy snowmobile traffic with warmer weather and snowmobile fun run event. Many snowmobile violations were encountered, including registration, modified/loud exhaust, failure to stop at road crossings, and speed.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring ice angling and snowmobile activity. Time was also spent working snowmobile enforcement in Ely for the annual fun run. Enforcement action was taken for various snowmobile-related violations.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) reports the warmer weather brought out many anglers and snowmobilers. Some anglers who worked their way off the beaten path had nice fish to show for their efforts. Snowmobile trails remain in good shape and local clubs are doing a great job at maintaining the trails. Station equipment maintenance was performed.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time checking anglers on area lakes. Block also focused efforts this week on patrolling snowmobile trails. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week checking ATV and snowmobile operators. Ihnen also patrolled for fishing and spearing activity. Additional time was spent monitoring fish house compliance on area lakes and public access sites.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) patrolled area lakes and trails on a snowmobile. Some lucky ice anglers put a couple monster lake trout on the ice. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile and angling activity.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) received several calls over the week about bobcats, lynx, and wolves moseying their way near people’s homes and businesses. People are reminded to secure pets, livestock, and spaces that might entice unwanted animals into the area. Time was also spent patrolling angling and snowmobiling activity. Work on an ongoing investigation continues.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked on an ongoing case, spent time on Bear Committee items, and patrolled on snowmobile. The weekend brought extremely heavy snowmobile traffic with warmer weather and snowmobile fun run event. Many snowmobile violations were encountered, including registration, modified/loud exhaust, failure to stop at road crossings, and speed.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring ice angling and snowmobile activity. Time was also spent working snowmobile enforcement in Ely for the annual fun run. Enforcement action was taken for various snowmobile-related violations.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) reports the warmer weather brought out many anglers and snowmobilers. Some anglers who worked their way off the beaten path had nice fish to show for their efforts. Snowmobile trails remain in good shape and local clubs are doing a great job at maintaining the trails. Station equipment maintenance was performed.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time checking anglers on area lakes. Block also focused efforts this week on patrolling snowmobile trails. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
