Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
May 05, 2026 06:07AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - May 5, 2026
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - May 5, 2026
District 6 - Two Harbors area
Last updated: 2026-05-04CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports ATV activity picked up over the week as warmer and dry weather conditions arrived. Problem-bear complaints have been increasing as bears begin to become more active with little natural food available. Residents in the area are reminded to be careful with outdoor food, garbage, and bird feeders.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent most of the week checking anglers and watercraft operators. He also patrolled for ATV and OHM activity. Additional time was spent monitoring AIS compliance near area lakes and accesses.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week at Camp Ripley armoring handguns. Time was also spent teaching use of force. He checked anglers along the North Shore tributaries.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked spring fish run, angling, minnow-trapping activity, and the start of the ATV trail riding season. Some lakes in the Isabella area still contained lots of ice at the end of the week. Enforcement action included fishing without a license, untagged minnow traps, failure to transfer ATV ownership, failure to display registration, and driving after revocation on an ATV.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week attending annual training at Camp Ripley. Time was also spent doing vehicle maintenance and monitoring stream angling activity. Warmer and drier weather has brought water levels down in the local rivers, and angling success will likely improve as water temperatures begin to rise.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and ATV activity for the week. Lake ice coverage is changing rapidly, and many lakes’ accessibility will come down to the wire for the upcoming opener. Annual training was attended. Boat owners and operators are reminded to review their registration and safety equipment before hitting the water.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers in the area. Block also spent time attending in-service training. Time was also spent performing equipment maintenance.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent most of the week checking anglers and watercraft operators. He also patrolled for ATV and OHM activity. Additional time was spent monitoring AIS compliance near area lakes and accesses.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week at Camp Ripley armoring handguns. Time was also spent teaching use of force. He checked anglers along the North Shore tributaries.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked spring fish run, angling, minnow-trapping activity, and the start of the ATV trail riding season. Some lakes in the Isabella area still contained lots of ice at the end of the week. Enforcement action included fishing without a license, untagged minnow traps, failure to transfer ATV ownership, failure to display registration, and driving after revocation on an ATV.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week attending annual training at Camp Ripley. Time was also spent doing vehicle maintenance and monitoring stream angling activity. Warmer and drier weather has brought water levels down in the local rivers, and angling success will likely improve as water temperatures begin to rise.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and ATV activity for the week. Lake ice coverage is changing rapidly, and many lakes’ accessibility will come down to the wire for the upcoming opener. Annual training was attended. Boat owners and operators are reminded to review their registration and safety equipment before hitting the water.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers in the area. Block also spent time attending in-service training. Time was also spent performing equipment maintenance.
