Weekly Conservation Officer Reports for Northeast Minnesota
Jul 21, 2026 05:02AM ● By Editor
Image: MN DNR
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - July 21, 2026
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - July 21, 2026
District 6 - Two Harbors area
Last updated: 2026-07-20CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) assisted with a district firearms safety field day in Winton. The group showed an impressive amount of skill and knowledge and seemed to really enjoy the day despite the heat. He also assisted with wildfire activity around the Ely area. Residents and visitors are reminded to be vigilant and pay attention to wildland fire fighting activity and traffic.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent time this week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV activity. Additional time was spent assisting with the local wildfire response.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time in the BWCAW. He responded to five people who capsized on Brule Lake in the BWCAW and were stranded on separate islands. All parties were rescued and brought to safety. Wahlstrom assisted with providing protective measures for structures near the wildland fires.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time working in the BWCAW alongside other local conservation officers in response to the ongoing threats of area wildfires. Fishing activity has slowed as the air quality is keeping most folks at home or indoors. Burning restrictions remain in place for the foreseeable future.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbit) reports working on fire duty with the July Lightning Event fire.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling and ATV activity. Time was also spent attending training at Camp Ripley and a firearms safety class in Ely. Work was also done to help provide fire protection to structures in the BWCAW.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on preparing for fire activity in the area. Wildlife-related calls were handled, and training was attended. Reminder: Please continue to consult the DNR website for fire restriction information.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes. Block also spent time patrolling local ATV trails. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent time this week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV activity. Additional time was spent assisting with the local wildfire response.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time in the BWCAW. He responded to five people who capsized on Brule Lake in the BWCAW and were stranded on separate islands. All parties were rescued and brought to safety. Wahlstrom assisted with providing protective measures for structures near the wildland fires.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time working in the BWCAW alongside other local conservation officers in response to the ongoing threats of area wildfires. Fishing activity has slowed as the air quality is keeping most folks at home or indoors. Burning restrictions remain in place for the foreseeable future.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbit) reports working on fire duty with the July Lightning Event fire.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring angling and ATV activity. Time was also spent attending training at Camp Ripley and a firearms safety class in Ely. Work was also done to help provide fire protection to structures in the BWCAW.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on preparing for fire activity in the area. Wildlife-related calls were handled, and training was attended. Reminder: Please continue to consult the DNR website for fire restriction information.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes. Block also spent time patrolling local ATV trails. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
