Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Jun 17, 2026 05:21AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - June 17, 2026
Last updated: 2026-06-16
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - June 17, 2026
Last updated: 2026-06-16
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports: cool, and wet weather arrived over the week along with strong winds. Heavy fishing activity seemed to pause with the temperature drop, although angler success did not with several walleye limits checked. Violations included: angling in a designated trout lake with no trout stamp.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) continued focusing on fishing and boating activity this week. Officer Ihnen also patrolled for ATV and OHM activity on area trails. Additional time was spent at public accesses monitoring AIS compliance.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time patrolling Cook and Lake County on ATV. Small remote lakes were checked. High winds over the weekend kept most anglers on shore. Wildlife complaints were handled as well.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) focused on angling and ATV activities. Bugs are out and the fishing is pretty decent. Nuisance bear complaints continue to be an issue. Bird feeders will attract bears into yards. Get rid of the bird feeders.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) finished up a litter case, with enforcement action taken. Time was spent on another investigation. Equipment maintenance was attended to, and ATV trails were patrolled. Questions were handled related to the new electronic license system, and a few wildlife calls were handled.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ATV and angling activity. Time was also spent maintaining station equipment. CO Franzen also responded to a report of an orphaned fawn, and the fawn was successfully transported to a rehabilitation center.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and ATV activity for the week. Nuisance bear complaints were handled. Reminder to remove any easily accessible food source such as bird seed, compost etc. before bears become a problem. ATV patrols were conducted and training was completed with area DNR staff and first responders.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week attending K9 training with fellow handlers. Block also spent time working angling activity throughout the area. Time was also spent fielding various questions from the public.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) continued focusing on fishing and boating activity this week. Officer Ihnen also patrolled for ATV and OHM activity on area trails. Additional time was spent at public accesses monitoring AIS compliance.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time patrolling Cook and Lake County on ATV. Small remote lakes were checked. High winds over the weekend kept most anglers on shore. Wildlife complaints were handled as well.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) focused on angling and ATV activities. Bugs are out and the fishing is pretty decent. Nuisance bear complaints continue to be an issue. Bird feeders will attract bears into yards. Get rid of the bird feeders.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) finished up a litter case, with enforcement action taken. Time was spent on another investigation. Equipment maintenance was attended to, and ATV trails were patrolled. Questions were handled related to the new electronic license system, and a few wildlife calls were handled.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ATV and angling activity. Time was also spent maintaining station equipment. CO Franzen also responded to a report of an orphaned fawn, and the fawn was successfully transported to a rehabilitation center.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and ATV activity for the week. Nuisance bear complaints were handled. Reminder to remove any easily accessible food source such as bird seed, compost etc. before bears become a problem. ATV patrols were conducted and training was completed with area DNR staff and first responders.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) Spent time this week attending K9 training with fellow handlers. Block also spent time working angling activity throughout the area. Time was also spent fielding various questions from the public.
