DNR Report

Talk about it

Lake County

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) continues to work area rivers and monitor fish run activities. Recent rains have put more water in the rivers, prompting a fresh run of fish and anglers. Continued cool weather has largely stalled the smelt run. CO Thomasen investigated a report of wolf depredation in which the property owner lost 5 goats. Equipment maintenance was taken care of in preparation for fishing opener.

Brad Johnson (Silver Bay) reports that angling activity picked up along the North Shore rivers and streams. He issued a summons to an ATV driver travelling on the roadway in Two Harbors. CO Johnson had the radio shop complete program updates for his squad radios.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) assisted DNR Forestry with a timber theft investigation. He also found where someone was cutting live cedar trees on federal lands. An interview was done on the theft of beaver traps. Questions about the AIS stickers on watercraft continue to pour in.

Mary Manning (Hovland) attended annual training at Camp Ripley. Manning also taught a basic introduction to sidearms class, assisted with a trapper education class and checked river anglers.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent time at Camp Ripley instructing firearms qualification and training to Officers.

North

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked spring fish run activity as well as ATVs. CO Velsvaag also attended training at Camp Ripley and worked on invasive species.

Marty Stage (Ely) worked some areas and checked various people utilizing the great outdoors. Officer Stage attended a meeting concerning the upcoming Aquatic Invasive Species laws.

South

Kipp Duncan (Duluth) continued to spend the majority of the week working North Shore rivers for the steelhead run. Water level has been much better, bringing many people out fishing. The smelt run along the shore has picked up. Trapping enforcement was also worked during the week. Officer Duncan spent several nights working illegal netting with neighboring officers.

Randy Hanzal (Duluth) checked area anglers, but few panfish were being caught. Complaints of people dumping trash continue to come in. A report of dogs chasing deer was received. An area MDHA Banquet was attended. Lots of questions are being fielded about issues happening at the legislative level in regards to a possible early fish opener and wolf season.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott (NE) attended in-service training at Camp Ripley instructing officers and staff on firearms and defensive tactics. Officer Scott attended training on commercial minnow harvesting and transporting in the state. Officer Scott attended lake service provider training in Ely where business, resort owners and others were present for the required training. Officer Scott talked with Sam Cook of the Duluth News Tribune reference Aquatic Invasive Species and what anglers, boaters and others need to know before they head this spring and summer for fishing and boating as well as gearing up for the summer season with installing their boats and other water related equipment.

Lake Superior

Marine Unit

Keith Olson (Unit Leader-Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers along the North Shore rivers. Assisted in instructing the water safety, drown proofing class for the academy. Checked smelters as well. Assisted the sheriff’s office with a house fire in Lakewood Twp. Questions fielded on various AIS topics.

Tags: two harbors