District 6 - Two Harbors
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports weather conditions changed for the better as lower temperatures and rain finally arrived over much of the fire area. Bear baiting activity was monitored for the opening weekend, and several eager hunters were contacted. Bear hunters around the Echo Trail are asked to check closures as the north (east) side of the Echo Trail is still closed for fire management activity over a large swath.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) focused much of his time this week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Time was also spent patrolling for ATV and off-highway motorcycle activity. Ihnen also monitored AIS compliance near area lakes and public accesses.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time in the BWCAW checking anglers. Time was also spent working ATVs, anglers on inland lakes and bear bait stations. Enforcement action was taken for boating violations. CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports an uneventful start to the bear baiting season on Friday. Fishing has slowed to a standstill. ATV activity has increased and people are reminded to refresh their knowledge on all regulations before hitting the trails.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports working TIP complaints regarding fishing, boating, and camping violations. Time was also spent preparing for bear baiting and hunting season.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling, ATV, and bear hunting enforcement for the week. Hunters were out establishing baits across the area. Anglers are reporting a slower bite. Enforcement action was taken on a variety of boating related violations. CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes. Block focused efforts around bear baiting activity as well. Time was also spent training with K9 Jet.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) worked a BWCA detail with partners for a majority of the week. Phone calls were taken regarding bear huntingandtheupcomingbearseason. Kennedy also attended the District 5 firearms safety field day event hosted in International Falls over the weekend. CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) assisted with a firearms safety class for a group of area youth who are excited to move into the nextphaseof outdoorparticipation. He monitored areas of concern for reported angling violations and ATV operation violations. Slatinski began checking bear baits as the season approaches.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports boating activity was monitored. Administrative tasks continue. Equipment work is ongoing. Angling success remains poor with little observed being caught. CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and ATV enforcement. He spent time checking lakes and fielding complaints. He investigated a large dumping violation, public water violations, and worked the beginning of bear baiting. He also found violations related to angling with extra lines and assisted in teaching at a firearms safety class.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV, angling, and boating activity over the week. In addition, time was spent at an outreach event and attending a district-wide firearms safety class put on by local COs. Violations encountered included taking fish with no angling licenses and expired registration. He also followed up on an ongoing trespass complaint.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time attending training at Camp Ripley, and he continued to work on a background investigation for the CO Prep program. Additional time was spent helping with a firearms safety class held in International Falls.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring ATV, boating, fishing, and bear baiting activity. Few anglers and boaters were encountered this week. Anglers reported limited success. ATV activity continues to be lower thanpreviousyears.Broughtenfielded calls regarding nuisance bears and deer licenses. Broughten also assisted with a youth firearms safety class.
