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District 6 - Two Harbors
CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports high water and washed-out roads after 5 to 7 inches of rain fell in the Ely area. It made for difficult traveling and fishing conditions. Several landings and entry points into the BWCA had to be closed. Angling activity was low compared to previous weeks, although fishing success was found to still be good. Violations included angling without a license, failure to display watercraft registration, and no throwable PFD on board a watercraft.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week checking anglers and boaters on area lakes. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV activity.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) checked anglers, boaters, and ATVriders.HespenttimeintheBWCA along the border working a joint operation with the Border Patrol. Enforcement action was taken for watercraft and ATV violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Grand Marais #2) reports that storms earlier in the week have raised water levels and knocked down several trees throughout the area. Anglers, paddlers, campers, and hikerscontinueto battletheincredible number of mosquitos, blackflies, and no-see-ums. Enforcement action was taken for angling and boating violations.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily angling and boating enforcement. Lakes and rivers in the area are full to overflowing. Enforcement action was taken for angling with an extra line, insufficient PFDs, and failure to register sturgeon. Assistance was provided to a state park with a camping issue.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked ATV and angling activity during the week. Recent storms washed outseveralroadwaysandfloodedwater accesses in the area, making fishing difficult. It will take some time to repair these areas so please check for trail and road closures before heading out on your trip. Floating logs and debris are also a concern on area lakes until water levels return to normal.
District 5 - Eveleth area
CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) spent the week instructing emergency vehicle operation and ATV operation with DNR Academy 23 at Camp Ripley.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area lakes this past weekend. Area trails and forest roads were monitored for ATV activity. Nuisance-animal complaints were dealt with.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) worked a security detail on a wildfire in Washington State. CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports outdoor activities were low over the week, as heavy rain has fallen locally. Beaverand bear-related problems continue. Area rivers are well outside their banks, resulting in flooding. Area forest roads and public access sites were monitored. Equipment work and administrative tasks were completed.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week assisting with flooding as the areaexperiencedunprecedentedrains. Lake levels remain extremely high. Wakes from boats continue to be aproblem for lakefront property owners, and a lot of debris is floating around the lakes. Please be cognizant that your wake may not only be damaging shoreline, but also docks, boat houses and cabins, as well as animal dens, nests, and lodges on the lake. Traveling at slow/no-wake speed near shore is advised. Time was also spent checking anglers and boaters this week. Violations encountered included no angling license in possession, PFD issues, failure to display current registration, unsafe wake, and illegallength walleye.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling enforcement and ATV enforcement. He spent time fielding calls regarding nuisance-beaver complaints and general recreation questions. He also spent time investigating wildlife complaints and checking anglers on area lakes.
CO ShaneZavodnik(Virginia)spent time instructing CO candidates at Camp Ripley during the week. He also fielded several calls about the high-water levels and gave technical advice regarding wildlife-related inquiries.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, boating, and ATV activity. Recent heavy rain caused flooding, resulting in debris in area lakes and damage to ATV trails. Few anglers were encountered, and those who were reported limited success. Broughtenfieldedcallsregarding nuisance animals, lost property, and ATV registration. Broughten also spoke to a youth ATV safety class regarding ATV laws and rules.
Water Resource Enforcement
WREO Luke Belgard (SW) worked angling, boating, and ATV enforcement this past week. Time was spent following upwithongoingwetlandandwaters cases. Local public access sites were monitored for AIS violations.
WREO Joe Stattelman (NW) spent the week working on public water and Wetland Conservation Act case updates. Time was spent working with COs and local government units on case issues and questions. An AIS check station was worked south of Baudette. FishingandATVactivitywereworked. Complaints of personal watercraft and boating violations were fielded. A call about an injured goose was taken.
WREO Dustie Speldrich (North Metro) investigated a public waters complaint of fallen trees obstructing the flow of a river. Several WCA cases were updated and others closed out.
Aviation Section
CO Pilot Jason Jensen (Brainerd) reports flying flood response flights to document damages in northeast Minnesota.
CO Pilot Charles Scott (Grand Rapids) completed sketch-mapping flights. He also completed his yearly low level training flight and scheduled ongoing training flights for the Aviation Unit.
CO Pilot Tim Gray (Bemidji) flew fisheries survey flights on multiple evenings and nights. He also got in some training flights as well as online training.
NR Pilot Brad Maas (Brainerd) completed a fixed wing training flight, continued with cattail spray preparations, and attended an aviation webinar. He was also called to provide air support from the helicopter in the search for a lost individual north of Alexandria.
NR Pilot Grace Zeller (Brainerd) attended anin-personafter-actionreport in Virginia where the May 18 rescue operation was discussed along with the St. Louis County Rescue Squad and other involved agencies. She continued to work on u pdating maintenance tracking sheets and documents for the electronic flight bag, and several vehicle maintenance issues were resolved.
Enforcement Education
Please check the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Education Courses and instructor training sessions.
If you missed a fall class and are over 18, check online for the online course information. (It’s also at www. mndnr.gov.)
Please check the DNR website www. mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Youth and Adult Snowmobile Safety Courses and instructor training sessions.
Please direct questions to 1-800-3668917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.
Reminder: Anyone born after December 31, 1979 cannot purchase a license to hunt in Minnesota without first taking a DNR Safety Training Course and receiving a certificate. In addition, many states have even more stringent mandatory Hunter Education requirements. Check before you go!
Reminder: Any resident born after December 31, 1976, who operates a snowmobileinMinnesotamustpossess a snowmobile certificate. Two options are available to complete certification. Ages 11 and older can take the online course and hands-on day or attend the traditional youth course. Those 16 or older can take the online course.
