District 6 - Two Harbors
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) patrolled his station this week focusing on fishing and boating activities. Ihnen also checked ATV and OHM operators. Additional time was spent patrolling for AIS violations near area lakes and public water access sites.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time checking anglers in the BWCAW. He assisted the county with an unwanted person at a state park. Enforcement action was taken for OHM and angling violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time over the week patrolling in the BWCA. Several nuisance-animal calls involving fawn white-tailed deer were handled. Enforcement action was taken for ATV and angling violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked a busy week of primarily angling and boating enforcement. Activity was high with the nice weather, and some fish were observed. Numerous instances of angling without licenses and not having sufficient PFDs on watercraft were addressed throughout the week, as were some BWCAW violations. CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ATV and angling activities. Time was also spent fielding wildlife-related calls and recreational vehicle complaints. Violations encountered were ATV- and state park-related.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on boating and angling activities for the week. Time was spent patrolling in the BWCAW. Nuisance-animal calls and deer-hunting questions were answered. Boaters are reminded to review all safety equipment and boating regulations before hitting the water for the busy weekend.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes. Block spent time talking about water safety and AIS with K9 Jet at a kids’ fishing clinic. Time was also spent patrolling the area for ATV activity.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) worked angling and ATV activities this week. Anglers were reporting a slow bite, but some were having success locating walleyes and crappies later in the week. He returned calls regarding injured animals in the area. Kennedy also assisted local agencies with a report of a missing child who was located safe inside the residence.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) spent time on a paddling shift in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, where several people expressed appreciation for seeing a conservation officer in remote areas. Additional time was spent on Upper Red Lake, where anglers were trying to avoid windy conditions and thunderstorms. Invasive species compliance was worked, with improvements being noted.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) monitored area lakes and related water activities. Summer activity levels appear down from previous years. Public access sites continue to be monitored. ATV activity remains constant. Equipment work is ongoing.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent most of the week checking anglers and monitoring boating activity. The bite continues to be hit and miss, with most anglers struggling to find keepers. Time was also spent monitoring ATV activity and working on equipment. Boating and other lake activity is expected to pick up sharply this coming week with the hot weather coming in front of the holiday weekend. Boaters are reminded to be careful and courteous to others out enjoying the water.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily on angling and ATV enforcement. Time was spent working on Lake Vermilion, the Eagles Nest area, and the BWCAW. Violations were primarily related to boat registration, angling licenses, boating safety equipment, and BWCAW violations. Boating complaints were also worked.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV, angling, and boating enforcement. In addition, time was also spent maintaining station equipment and engaging in community outreach at the Buhl 125th anniversary parade. Recreational activity, especially on local lakes, remains lower this summer in comparison to previous years.
