Minnesota DNR conservation officers' reports

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) concluded work on background investigations. Angling activity remains the focus for this time of year, with lots of anglers getting out on Lake Superior when weather allows. Preparations are being made for working the upcoming ATV parade in Silver Bay.

North

Marty Stage (Ely) worked the lakes in the Ely and Babbitt areas and encountered watercraft and ATV violations. Beaver complaints came in and many unregistered canoes can be seen coming through Ely. Nonresidents are reminded that a registration from either the home state or Minnesota is required if a canoe is to be used in Minnesota waters. A ticket will be issued if one is not obtained before the craft is used. Besides the fact that it is the state law, it is not fair to all the other people who have registered canoes if everyone is isn’t operating under the same rules.

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers this past week and received several complaints on personal watercraft operating too close to shore and other boaters. Took a nuisance animal complaint and questions on firearms use. Attended training for several days.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports lots of bear, moose and grouse chick sightings reported this week. A man in a canoe was taking pictures of some turkey vultures. He said the “golden eagles” sure were beautiful. The officer just smiled and decided to let whoever he showed the pictures to explain it to him. He just didn’t want to spoil the moment. Several boating, fishing, and aquatic invasive species violations were encountered during the week.

Mary Manning (Hovland) patrolled the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. One group of campers didn’t bother to pack out leftover food items and dumped them at the edge of the campsite so the next group could enjoy the company of the bears and other scavengers drawn to the food. Contacted a group including foreign exchange students from India and Pakistan getting a taste of Minnesota outdoors. Eighty-five leech traps left behind in a small lake by a former commercial minnow dealer were seized and paperwork was issued. Spoke with parties on deterring nuisance bears and nuisance woodchucks.

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