CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports after the biggest snowstorm of the season, snowmobile trails saw heavy use through the weekend making for rough riding conditions. Fishing activity was predictably high into the weekend for the last days of the walleye and northern pike season. Violations included excessive snowmobile speed, modified snowmobile exhaust, and failure to display snowmobile registration.

CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week focusing on snowmobiling, fishing, and spearing activity. Ihnen patrolled area lakes checking for litter and fish house regulation compliance. Additional time was spent checking ATV operators.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) monitored snowmobile trails and area trout lakes. Some portages and trails are hard to pass with trees down from the recent storm. The trails were extremely busy with snowmobilers enjoying the fresh snow.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports an astounding number of people visited the area to ride snowmobiles after the blizzard hit the North Shore last Thursday. Trails were hit hard, and local snowmobile clubs are working tirelessly on grooming and maintaining them. Slush has increased on the lakes and anglers should expect to encounter such conditions when heading out. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports extremely high snowmobile traffic in the area after the most recent snowstorm. Unfortunately, some very poor examples of snowmobiler ethics and safety were observed with no consideration for others. Some examples included many snowmobilers who operated on several miles of freshly groomed ski trails, totally wrecking the tracks and trail; very aggressive riding on corners, hills, and intersections, which quickly blew those areas out; and extremely careless operation by a few individuals, creating unsafe conditions for everyone else on the trails. Enforcement action was taken for several instances each of loud, illegal snowmobile exhaust and expired registration.

CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring snowmobile activity across the area. A large winter storm midweek brought multiple feet of snowfall to the shore, bringing droves of snowmobile riders shortly after. Such heavy snowfall brought downed trees and rough trail conditions, and work is ongoing to get the local trails groomed. Riders are urged to use caution when using the local trails and be aware of other riders as well.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on snowmobile and angling enforcement for the week. Recent snow created great riding conditions, and many people were out on the trails. A reminder that angling licenses expire this weekend.

CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week patrolling area snowmobile trails. Time was also spent attending training at Camp Ripley for emergency vehicle operations and K9 training. Block also responded to various complaints in the area.