District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports snowmobile activity was the focus as much warmer weather arrived in time for the annual snowmobile fun run. Trail conditions held out well despite the increase in traffic and a very low violation rate was noted. Violations included snowmobile speed and failure to display current snowmobile registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week checking ATV and snowmobile operators. Ihnen also patrolled for fishing and spearing activity. Additional time was spent monitoring fish house compliance on area lakes and public access sites. CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) patrolled area lakes and trails on a snowmobile. Some lucky ice anglers put a couple monster lake trout on the ice. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile and angling activity. CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) received several calls over the week about bobcats, lynx, and wolves moseying their way near people’s homes and businesses. People are reminded to secure pets, livestock, and spaces that might entice unwanted animals into the area. Time was also spent patrolling angling and snowmobiling activity. Work on an ongoing investigation continues.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked on an ongoing case, spent time on Bear Committee items, and patrolledonsnowmobile.The weekend brought extremely heavy snowmobile traffic with warmer weather and snowmobile fun run event. Many snowmobile violations were encountered, including registration, modified/loud exhaust, failure to stop at road crossings, and speed.
COMeganFranzen(Silver Bay) spent the week monitoring ice angling and snowmobile activity. Time was also spent working snowmobile enforcement in Ely for the annual fun run. Enforcement action was taken for various snowmobile-related violations.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) reports the warmer weather brought out many anglers and snowmobilers. Some anglers who worked their way off the beaten path had nice fish to show for their efforts. Snowmobile trails remain in good shape and local clubs are doing a great job at maintaining the trails. Station equipment maintenance was performed.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time checking anglers on area lakes. Block also focused efforts this week on patrolling snowmobile trails. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) had a busy week patrolling area lakes and trails by snowmobile. More people were out enjoying the trails as the weather and trail systems improved. Anglers continue to report a slow bite with few fish being caught. He also assisted local agencies on various calls including a motor vehicle collision and semi-trailer blocking the highway. He helped local volunteers and partner agencies with a snowmobile safety class.Enforcementactionwas taken for various snowmobile and angling violations.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area lakes and rivers this past week. He also checked anglers and worked snowmobile activity. Simonson assisted with a youth snowmobile safety class over the weekend.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports bitter temperatures acquiesced to more seasonable conditions for the weekend, which brought out outdoor enthusiasts to take advantage. A sudden increase in both anglers and snowmobilers was noted. Local snowmobile clubs and the National Park Service have done wonders grooming area trails with the lack of snow we have thus far received.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring angling activity with little success noted among anglers checked in the field. Snowmobile trail activity was monitored. Area forest roads were checked, and active logging sites were visited. Confiscated furs were sold.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) primarily worked snowmobile and angling enforcement this week. The warmer weather brought more people out this week, with the weekend being the busiest in a while. Trails could use more snow, but riding is decent for what we have. Complaints about snowmobile trespass were fielded. Please stay on the trails and remember that power line cuts are not open to the public where they cross private land. Enforcement action this week included snowmobile speed, registration issues, and fishing license issues.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily on angling and snowmobile enforcement. Time was spent on local trails and lakes throughout the week. Snowmobile traffic was very busy over the weekend, resulting in several violations. Violations included registration issues, snowmobile speed, failure to stop at stop signs, failure to have a snowmobile trail pass, and several illegal loud snowmobile mufflers.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time checking anglers and patrolling on snowmobile throughout the week. Zavodnik followed up on an angler-harassment complaint and fielded several animal-related calls. Snowmobile trail conditions are in great shape considering the little amount of snow received this winter. Additional time was spent working on logistics for the upcoming winter EVOC training.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishingandsnowmobiling activity. Anglers reported limited success. Fewer anglers were encountered this week and multiple wheelhouses left area lakes. A few moresnowmobilersappeared to be out. Trails are passable but could use more snow. With the lack of continued accumulation of snow, snowmobilers are advised to watch for hazards that may appear on trails.
