MN DNR weekly report

[Lee Borgersen]

           Conservation Officer weekly report

 
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) reports working snowmobile enforcement detail with US Border Patrol, National Park Service, US Customs, and St. Louis County Sheriff's in the Kabetogama, Namakan, and Ash River Trail Areas. Enforcement action for the week was taken for snowmobile speed; several speeds were recorded in the 85-90mph range.  
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) monitored angling and snowmobile activities and noted very little due to slush and deep snow. Equipment work and administrative tasks rounded out the week

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CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports the area snowmobile trails are starting to show signs of wear. The corners of the trails are quite icy and the open areas are showing bare ground in places. Assistance was provided to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office on a snowmobile crash where one person was injured. An incident of someone cutting firewood where they shouldn't have been cutting firewood turned out to be a misunderstanding.


CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked ATV's, anglers, fish house removal and litter issues, investigated a report of deer taken out of season, finished a forest resource theft case, taught a Firearms Safety Class in Hibbing and spoke at the 92nd Annual Chisholm Sportsman's Club Banquet. Enforcement action consisted of a number of ATV violations and theft.


CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) patrolled area snowmobile trails and spoke with snowmobilers about trail conditions. Most riders report busy trail activity but rough riding conditions. Most anglers have abandoned area lakes with the exception of a few trout anglers. A majority of ice shelter owners have taken the time to remove them from lakes prior to the removal deadline. A pair of anglers fishing on an area lake were checked by CO Frericks. Neither of the anglers had a current angling license and had taken a northern pike during the closed season. The pike was seized and the anglers were cited.


Dist. 6 - Two Harbors area
CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports warmer weather and melting snow has opened sinkholes on several area lakes in the past week, making it difficult to navigate in areas. Trout fishing continues to be fair to good with most anglers having something to show for their efforts. Violations included operating an ATV on a county highway.


CO Marty Stage (Ely) spent time working the lakes and trails. The lakes are much better than they were and most all the fish houses were off before the deadline. The weather has been getting better and the snow is starting to get a crust for the first time all winter. Be aware that this is the time that even the small dogs can and will chase deer. The deer are in bad shape and don't need any more stress from family dogs that aren't attended by their owners. For this reason, please keep track of your dog as we ease into spring.


 CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) checked remote lakes and areas during the week by snowmobile and snow shoes. He checked anglers in and out of the BWCA and snowmobilers. Violations for snowmobile and fishing were encountered. Assistance was given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


CO Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled state and GIA snowmobile trails; registration compliance was very good. The officer also checked area lakes, attended a district meeting and training and answered questions regarding big game and wolf hunting.


CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports a busy weekend of snowmobile activity. Trails are a little hard and icy but otherwise holding up well. Training and meetings were attended early in the week. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile speed, registration violations, no state trail sticker, fail to transfer ownership, and fishing without a license. Most anglers seem aware about fishing licenses expiring at the end of February this year.


CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked a snowmobile detail on area trails. Trails are in great shape and snowmobile registration compliance was excellent. There were a lot of snowmobilers out enjoying the nice weather. Wahlstrom attended a district meeting and trained officers on patrol rifle maintenance.


Water Resource Enforcement Officer Tony Arhart (Grand Rapids) checked anglers, snowmobilers, and ATVers on area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for angle without a license and for unregistered snowmobiles. A few anglers forgot to buy the 2014 angling license. The first migratory Canada geese and trumpeter swans were observed in open parts of Third River. The next day it was -12 degrees and the birds disappeared. Dead white tails were observed in the woods via snowmobile and area pilots are reporting dead deer as well, apparent winter casualties.
Enforcement Education
Youth ATV Courses (12 to 15 years old) class postings for around the state are posted on the web site at www.mndnr.gov.  Students are reminded that they must complete the CD portion of the course before attending the classroom portion of the course. Youth/Adult ATV Safety Training Course CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR