DNR Report: July 1

Talk about it

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) checked area lakes for angling and boating activity. The mayfly hatch is well underway and has slowed fishing success on many lakes. ATV activity was monitored as several trails in the area have been closed due to recent heavy rains. An investigation into a person illegally blocking a state trail was conducted, with charges pending.

North

John Velsvaag (Ely) participated in a work detail on Red Lake. Handled an injured deer case and assisted on some minor drug cases. Took several ATV complaints in Ely and calls on the new water transportation restrictions.

Marty Stage (Ely) received another call about a loon with a hook caught in its mouth. Loons are almost impossible to catch in the water, but this one was on shore where it could be covered with a box by the resort owner until the officer could get there. It took a lot of time, but with the use of a flashlight, wire cutters, and some helping hands from the resort, the three treble hooks were cut away and all the entangled line was removed. One hook was nearly in an eye and another was firmly lodged in both the top and bottom of its mouth, so it had been in real trouble. A couple of the barbs had to be left in the mouth to hopefully dissolve with time. The loon swam away and seemed OK. Each year officers receive many calls and photos of loons with line and tackle wrapped around them, endangering their lives. And about as often, little or nothing can be done to capture or save the birds. When you’re fishing with a loon nearby, maybe stop for a moment until it moves away or at least cast in a direction away from the loon.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports the red fox are having little trouble finding fresh turtle eggs. Many places where turtles lay their eggs are dug up and egg shells litter the area. Saw a pine marten with a red squirrel in its mouth heading for a safe area to have lunch. Arrested a man for domestic assault after he cut his girlfriend in the face with a sharp object. Boat registration and life vest violations rounded out the week.

Mary Manning (Hovland) received several calls about the potential state government shutdown.

South

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent time working fishing and boating enforcement when weather allowed. ATV enforcement was worked in past complaint areas. Several calls were returned and time was spent doing office work.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott (Northeast) spent several days in Colorado with other DNR employees working with Colorado Department of Wildlife and Parks on their invasive species program. Officers and others spent several days learning about what Colorado is doing to deal with invasive species and how we can learn from them. Checked anglers and boaters in the Duluth area for the two days there was no rain. Enforcement action was taken for no fishing license, no fishing license in possession, transporting watercraft with drain plug in.

Lake Superior

Matt Miller (Marine Unit) helped fill in patrol shifts in District 6 due to open stations. A complaint of a toilet left from Grandma’s Marathon that had tipped over and spilled their contents into Lake Superior was checked. Staff from Grandma’s was quick to respond and make sure they were picked up. Boaters were checked for compliance with invasive species laws and poor to moderate compliance was found. An individual burning cardboard and trash in Finland was given an expensive reminder that trash needs to be disposed of appropriately. Only untreated, unpainted lumber and natural brush and tree cuttings can be burned.

Wild tales

Jeff Denz (Willmar) assisted the sheriff’s department with a call about a wild boar at a homeowner’s front door which was later determined to be an escaped pig. It was returned to its owner.

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