Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Jun 02, 2026 07:03AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - June 2, 2026
Last updated: 2026-06-01
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - June 2, 2026
Last updated: 2026-06-01
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports: hot, dry weather continued over the week into the weekend. ATV and angling activity were again heavy although fishing success seemed to have waned since the holiday weekend. Violations included: angling without a license in possession, and expired watercraft registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week focusing on fishing and boating activity. Officer Ihnen also checked ATV operators. Additional time was spent monitoring AIS compliance near area lakes and PWAs.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked angling, boating and ATV enforcement. The Officer responded to several bear complaints. Time was also spent following up on past investigations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling area lakes for angling and boating activity. Time was also spent patrolling ATV trails and forest roads. Several nuisance bear complaints were received and every complaint dealt with had a food source available that attracted the bears. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked angling and boating enforcement on Birch Lake and in the BWCAW with CO Larson. Border lakes and lakes with easier access were busy, with interior lakes being much quieter. Fishing success was fair to good for several species. Enforcement action included lack of PFDs, no trout stamp, expired watercraft registration, cans and glass in the BWCAW, and litter.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling and ATV activity across the area. Time was also spent completing commercial inspections. Beautiful weather and moderate temperatures brought many people to the area for the weekend.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and ATV enforcement for the week. A district meeting was attended and equipment maintenance was conducted. Fire danger remains high, use caution
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week patrolling area lakes for angling activity. Block focused efforts on working with K9 Jet on zebra mussel detection at local accesses. Time was also spent on boating enforcement.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week focusing on fishing and boating activity. Officer Ihnen also checked ATV operators. Additional time was spent monitoring AIS compliance near area lakes and PWAs.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked angling, boating and ATV enforcement. The Officer responded to several bear complaints. Time was also spent following up on past investigations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time patrolling area lakes for angling and boating activity. Time was also spent patrolling ATV trails and forest roads. Several nuisance bear complaints were received and every complaint dealt with had a food source available that attracted the bears. Enforcement action was taken for angling violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked angling and boating enforcement on Birch Lake and in the BWCAW with CO Larson. Border lakes and lakes with easier access were busy, with interior lakes being much quieter. Fishing success was fair to good for several species. Enforcement action included lack of PFDs, no trout stamp, expired watercraft registration, cans and glass in the BWCAW, and litter.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling and ATV activity across the area. Time was also spent completing commercial inspections. Beautiful weather and moderate temperatures brought many people to the area for the weekend.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and ATV enforcement for the week. A district meeting was attended and equipment maintenance was conducted. Fire danger remains high, use caution
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week patrolling area lakes for angling activity. Block focused efforts on working with K9 Jet on zebra mussel detection at local accesses. Time was also spent on boating enforcement.
