Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Feb 10, 2026 04:45AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - February 10, 2026
Last updated: 2026-02-09
CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports: he saw extremely high snowmobile activity over the week and into the weekend. Trail conditions continue to be ok, but many areas are showing wear from a lack of recent significant snowfall. Violations included: excessive snowmobile speed, failure to transfer snowmobile registration, and fail to display current registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely 2) spent most of the week patrolling his station checking anglers and snowmobile riders. Officer Ihnen also checked for fish house violations on area lakes. Additional time was spent patrolling for ATV operators.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) monitored snowmobile activity on area trails. Time was spent checking anglers on remote trout lakes. The officer also taught a snowmobile safety class with area Officers at the Cook County school.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling snowmobiling and angling activities. There were a lot of snowmobilers from all over the country and even parts of Canada visiting the arrowhead region for good riding conditions. Fishing remains consistent for most anglers and even a few trophy caliber fish were seen on the ice. Enforcement action was taken for a variety of violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily angling and snowmobile enforcement, as well as spent time on an ongoing investigation. Snowmobile traffic has remained high with the warmer temperatures. Enforcement action revolved around snowmobile registration violations.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring snowmobile and angling activity. Time was also spent working snowmobile enforcement with other officers in the Pine County area. With little new snowfall and heavy use, many of the trails in southern Lake County are experiencing rough conditions, and riders are urged to use caution.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) spent time working the trails and lakes for snowmobile and angling activity for the week. Trails remain in good condition due to consistent grooming by local clubs. Students at Cook County Middle School participated in a snowmobile safety presentation and are eager for the field day. Enforcement action was taken on a variety of angling and license related violations.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week patrolling area trails for snowmobile activity. Block attended a local event about Ice safety, and spoke with other CO’s about how to be safe when out on frozen waterbodies. Time was also spent responding to various complaints and training with K9 Jet.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely 2) spent most of the week patrolling his station checking anglers and snowmobile riders. Officer Ihnen also checked for fish house violations on area lakes. Additional time was spent patrolling for ATV operators.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) monitored snowmobile activity on area trails. Time was spent checking anglers on remote trout lakes. The officer also taught a snowmobile safety class with area Officers at the Cook County school.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling snowmobiling and angling activities. There were a lot of snowmobilers from all over the country and even parts of Canada visiting the arrowhead region for good riding conditions. Fishing remains consistent for most anglers and even a few trophy caliber fish were seen on the ice. Enforcement action was taken for a variety of violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily angling and snowmobile enforcement, as well as spent time on an ongoing investigation. Snowmobile traffic has remained high with the warmer temperatures. Enforcement action revolved around snowmobile registration violations.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring snowmobile and angling activity. Time was also spent working snowmobile enforcement with other officers in the Pine County area. With little new snowfall and heavy use, many of the trails in southern Lake County are experiencing rough conditions, and riders are urged to use caution.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) spent time working the trails and lakes for snowmobile and angling activity for the week. Trails remain in good condition due to consistent grooming by local clubs. Students at Cook County Middle School participated in a snowmobile safety presentation and are eager for the field day. Enforcement action was taken on a variety of angling and license related violations.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week patrolling area trails for snowmobile activity. Block attended a local event about Ice safety, and spoke with other CO’s about how to be safe when out on frozen waterbodies. Time was also spent responding to various complaints and training with K9 Jet.
