District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely 1) reports: warm weather combined with rain contributed to snowmobile trail conditions becoming extremely poor and, in some cases, unpassable. Trout angling activity continued to be somewhat active throughout the week and into the weekend. Violations included: angling without a license in possession and failure to remove ice shelter after the deadline.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely 2) focused primarily on angling activity this week. Officer Ihnen also monitored snowmobile and ATV activity. He also spent time following up on past case work.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked a snowmobile detail with CO Osborne. The officers checked remote trout lakes and patrolled area snowmobile trails. Enforcement action was taken for loud exhaust, angling with extra lines, live minnows on a designated trout lake and license violations.
COHudsonLedeen(Hovland) reports that winter continues to press on in the Grand Marais area. Snowmobile trails are maintaining their conditions, but will be changing quickly as warmer weather approaches. Ice fishing is heating up and trout anglers are showing some success with the longer days. Several calls were received over wolf sightings along the highway.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked a variety of enforcement activities and investigations this week. Panfish and trout anglers were checked, as well as snowmobile operators and cross-country skiers. The funeral for Sgt Siebert was attended in Aurora. Enforcement action was taken for lend/borrow a deer tag, fail to transfer snowmobile ownership, fail to stop at stop sign, litter, and no ski pass. A 90-year-old skier was provided assistance after his strength was totally sapped after finishing skiing.
COMeganFranzen(Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring snowmobile activity around the area. Warm weather and mild rain have begun deteriorating the trail conditions, but they were holding up well enough to see the heavy traffic that came over the weekend. Enforcement action was taken for modified exhausts.
COTrentAnderson(Tofte) focused on snowmobile and angling activity for the week. Many snowmobile riders were out enjoying decent trail conditions and warm weather. Enforcement action was taken on a variety of snowmobile related violations.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors)Spenttimethisweek attending K9 training with fellow K9 handlers. Time was also spent patrolling the area for angling activity. Block also completed equipment maintenance.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Paul Kennedy (Int’l Falls #1) monitored angling activity for a majority of the week. Most anglers have removed ice shelters along the border waters as ice conditions have been rapidly changing with the weather. Several public access sites along the Rainy River are still locked up with ice and conditions are not favorable for launching boats. Kennedy took several calls related to the upcoming angling season. He also addressed ice shelters left at public access sites in the area.
COCurtisSimonson(Int’l Falls #2) reports working area lakes and rivers this past week. Ice conditions remained good this past week, but snow conditions on the lake have deteriorated greatly. The first few boats have started to show up on the Rainy River over the weekend. Most of the Rainy River remains iced over.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) The weather roller coaster has created some inconsistent conditions for outdoor recreation. Anglers report extremes in success from one day to the next. Temperatures have been conducive to getting out and enjoying the waning ice fishing season. As the snow melts caution is advised as ice conditions can change quickly.
COTroyFondie(Orr)continues to monitor fish house removal and clean up. Area forest roads were checked as spring break-up is in progress. Public access sites were checked, phone calls werereturned,andequipment work was completed.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily snowmobile and angling activity. Larson spent time checking crappie anglers who were having some success. Snowmobile activity has mostly ended due to lack of snow on all trails and the lakes. Some ATV activity was present throughout the station, but trails remain closed.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling and ATV activity. In addition, time was spent following up on a trespassing complaint and attending a district meeting. Little activity was observed throughout the week until the weekend brought temps into the 60s. Locals took full advantage and spent the weekend outdoors.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) Panfish anglers were checkedthroughouttheweek, and success varied from lake to lake. Ice shelter removal has been mostly in compliance and debris left from winter anglers has been at a minimum. CO Zavodnik assisted as an honor guard member for Officer Siebert’s funeralofEastRangePDover the weekend. ATV operators are reminded to brush up on the rules and regulations.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing activity. Few anglers were encountered this week. Anglers reported moderate success. Snowmobile trails have become impassable. CO Broughten also fielded calls regarding injured animals and deer feeding.
