Conservation Officer reports
District 6 - Two Harbors
CO 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.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) monitored angling and boating activities throughout the week. Fishing reports were better as the week went on. Some anglers ended up cutting trips short due to heavy smoke in the area.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) spent time assisting St. Louis County and the U.S. Forest Service with fire duties off the Echo Trail.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) reports outdoor activity was significantly reduced this week, probably due to the heavy smoke from the forest fires in the area. Time was spent checking anglers and monitoring boating activity, along with monitoring ATV activity in the area. Some time was also spent working on equipment.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and ATV activity around his station. He also spent time working fire enforcement around his station. Camping violations were addressed. With fire danger being extreme in the north, it’s important to check the weather conditions and the current status of fire restrictions before having any kind of fire.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV, boating, and angling enforcement. Time was also spent maintaining station equipment and assisting local law enforcement agencies, including a call regarding an intoxicated boater who was eventually arrested for DWI. Nuisance-bear reports also continue to come in.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time attending a training in the metro area and working on a background investigation for the CO Prep hiring program. Additional time was spent assisting other agencies and working recreational vehicle enforcement.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring boating, fishing, and ATV activities. Smoke from the fires limited outdoor recreational activity during the week. Less smoke over the weekend brought out ATVs and boats. Anglers reported limited success. Broughten fielded calls regarding fire danger, youth firearms safety, and ATV registration. Broughten also assisted with a youth ATV safety class.
