Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
May 19, 2026 05:38AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - May 19, 2026
Last updated: 2026-05-18
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - May 19, 2026
Last updated: 2026-05-18
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports: he spent several days assisting with Stewart Trail fire near two harbors. Fire crew worked around the clock to get the fire under control and were making progress. Residents in the area are reminded to be mindful of fire conditions and check local burning restrictions.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Officer Ihnen also monitored AIS compliance at area public water accesses. Additional time was spent patrolling for ATV and OHM activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) monitored anglers on area lakes. With the consistent high winds, most anglers chose to fish from shore. Wahlstrom assisted in instruction at the Cook County firearm safety field day. The Officer also conducted commercial inspections.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling angling and trapping activities. Ledeen also spent time working road closers at the Stewart Trail forest fire. Black bears are out and about, and people are reminded to put away their bird feeders for the season and keep their trash cans inside.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked road closures for the Stewart Trail Fire. Bermel rescued three canoeists that overturned and lost their canoe and gear on Basswood Lake. They survived because they were wearing their life jackets. It’s a great reminder to wear life jackets and be prepared with waterproof matches and communication devices, especially in cold water. Time was spent on interviews and reports for a large ongoing investigation. A litter investigation was also started. A number of moose were observed over the weekend, which was great to see.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling activity throughout the area. Warmer weather over the weekend brought better success for anglers, but heavy wind brought rough waters and high fire danger. Time was also spent working security for the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling enforcement for the week. Time was spent assisting with forest fire suppression efforts. Approximately 40 students were certified in firearms safety as part of Cook County School’s safety class. Extreme caution is urged with fires due to dry and windy conditions.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes and streams. Block also responded and assisted local agencies with the Stewart Trail fire near the town of two harbors. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Officer Ihnen also monitored AIS compliance at area public water accesses. Additional time was spent patrolling for ATV and OHM activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) monitored anglers on area lakes. With the consistent high winds, most anglers chose to fish from shore. Wahlstrom assisted in instruction at the Cook County firearm safety field day. The Officer also conducted commercial inspections.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling angling and trapping activities. Ledeen also spent time working road closers at the Stewart Trail forest fire. Black bears are out and about, and people are reminded to put away their bird feeders for the season and keep their trash cans inside.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked road closures for the Stewart Trail Fire. Bermel rescued three canoeists that overturned and lost their canoe and gear on Basswood Lake. They survived because they were wearing their life jackets. It’s a great reminder to wear life jackets and be prepared with waterproof matches and communication devices, especially in cold water. Time was spent on interviews and reports for a large ongoing investigation. A litter investigation was also started. A number of moose were observed over the weekend, which was great to see.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling activity throughout the area. Warmer weather over the weekend brought better success for anglers, but heavy wind brought rough waters and high fire danger. Time was also spent working security for the Stewart Trail Fire near Two Harbors.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling enforcement for the week. Time was spent assisting with forest fire suppression efforts. Approximately 40 students were certified in firearms safety as part of Cook County School’s safety class. Extreme caution is urged with fires due to dry and windy conditions.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes and streams. Block also responded and assisted local agencies with the Stewart Trail fire near the town of two harbors. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
