Duluth Area: One pair of anglers in an non-motorized watercraft were so anxious to get out that they resorted to using snow shovels as oars when paddles could not be located at the cabin.
One boater who was upset for receiving a citation for no life jackets in his boat wanted to know if this was a new requirement.
Officer Hanzal along with Officer Scott located a vehicle reported where a possible hostage situation was taking place. It turned out it was a prank a couple of juvenile decided to play. Neither the officers nor the pranksters found it funny in the end.
Brainerd: WREO Haberman left the landing to go grab a bite to eat when a DNR employee overheard a woman in the restaurant on the phone explaining to someone that a CO told her to dump her water out from the lake and she said ok but left the landing with the water and played “dumb” to the CO. The employee notified WREO Haberman who was in line at the restaurant and WREO Haberman followed the individual to her car while she was still on the phone explaining how she was not going to follow the rules. WREO Haberman approached the woman and found the bucket of water and fish from the access. The individual admitted to not draining the bucket. The individual was cited for transporting infested water (zebra mussel infested.)
The full report:
District 1 – Baudette area
CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods and the Roseau River. Multiple gray wolf depredations were investigated. Two meetings were attended at the Northwest Angle. An AIS check station was worked. Enforcement action was taken for an over limit of pike.
CO Eric Benjamin (Warroad) worked boat and water safety, AIS, angling and ATV enforcement. The bite is on up on Lake of the Woods, seems to be more in the early morning but anglers are catching their limits and quite a few slot fish as well. Enforcement action was taken for the following: failure to display registration on an ATV, operating an ATV without the proper safety certification and no throwable life saving device on board a watercraft.
CO Hannah Cowden (Warroad) worked a busy Memorial Weekend on Lake of the Woods and surrounding areas, doing angling and boat and water safety checks. Success was varied but most boats seemed to be catching a decent amount of fish. Some were even catching and keeping too many. A Boat and Water Safety presentation was given to the Warroad 6th Graders at the Northwest Angle. Two days were also spent at Norris Camp teaching safety in the woods to Baudette 4th Graders and Warroad 1st Graders. Enforcement action was taken for possessing walleye over limit, transporting fish without patch of skin, no angling license in possession, no throwable PFD, operate ATV with passenger under 18 not wearing helmet, and no state park pass.
CO Nicholas Prachar (Baudette) taught a class on boat and water safety at the Big Bog Adventure Day at Big Bog State Park in Waskish. Various areas were worked for boating safety and also for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) enforcement. CO Prachar along with multiple other COs and watercraft inspectors staffed a watercraft inspection check station. The group had many contacts with anglers and boating enthusiasts who were transporting water related equipment that day. Some enforcement action was taken but overall compliance was good.
CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) worked on Lake of the Woods over the holiday weekend with COs Prachar and Cowden. The weather was beautiful and the fishing was good with many limits of fish checked. Anglers are reminded that possession and daily limits are the same; and keeping fish at camp and a limit on the water is unlawful. Enforcement action for the week included possess walleye over limit, angle without license, boat registration and equipment violations, fish transportation violations, and violations for transporting infested water and fail to remove drain plug from watercraft when traveling on a public roadway. Other violations included ATV operation and registration violations, and juvenile in possession of tobacco products.
CO Demosthenes Regas (Blackduck) reports working the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend monitoring angling and boating activity on Upper Red Lake, ATV trail activities and AIS enforcement. CO Regas worked the LaserShot booth at the Big Bog Adventure Day event with 625 elementary school students attending the event. CO Regas also handled a number of nuisance bear complaints. Enforcement action for the week included over limit of walleye, angling with extra lines, unlawful party fishing, boating equipment violations, and angling license violations.
Baudette #2 -vacant.
Blackduck #2 – vacant.
Karlstad – vacant.
District 2 – Bemidji area
CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) reports attending a meeting in Red Lake Falls to discuss wetland sites with the local LGU and BWSR. Time was also spent working a busy holiday weekend. Many boater and angler contacts were made throughout the weekend. ATV operators were also checked. A complaint of an illegal party was worked that occurred in an area WMA. An AIS detail was worked with a neighboring officer.
CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) assisted individuals with ATV certification. He also monitored angling, boating and AIS activity. Complaints were received regarding leeching activity and wild animals. He also investigated and confirmed a grey wolf depredation.
CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked anglers and ATVers over Memorial Day weekend. He was also prepared to testify for a deer baiting case and took report of dead eagle.
CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) monitored angling activity on area lakes. Anglers are starting to pick up pan fish in the shallows while the walleye bite remains sporadic. The excellent weather over the Memorial Day holiday weekend brought out several people and lakes were busy. Boaters are reminded to check for safety equipment before going out onto the water. CO Vollbrecht and CO Holt worked a detail near Bemidji checking for AIS compliance on watercraft equipment. Overall compliance was good. Time was spent meeting with the Clearwater County Attorney to discuss an ongoing case from the 2014 deer season. A summer intern rode with for a day to see what the duties of a Conservation Officer are and to learn more about the career.
CO Brian Holt (Bemidji) worked angling and ATV enforcement during the week and during the busy Memorial Day weekend. Time was also spent monitoring AIS compliance in the Bemidji area and Itasca State Park. Complaints were received regarding nuisance bears and a TIP call was investigated. Enforcement activity for the week included boat and water safety and ATV violations.
CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports investigating a TIP of an angler that was making multiple trips a day to a local lake. After observing the anglers for several trips, CO Vinton and CO Forsberg contacted him and he was cited for a double limit of northern pike in a single day. Enforcement action was also taking for blocking a public water access, OHM operation and registration violations, ATV on a county highway and no angling license in possession.
CO Al Peterson (Osage) worked AIS enforcement, anglers, boaters and commercial minnow dealers. The lakes were busy with crappie action being up but the walleye action is still mostly slow. Boat and angler compliance was good.
CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) reports a busy Memorial Day weekend with may boaters and fisherman out. Time was spent checking fishermen, working shoreline issues, an AIS detail, and assisting the Perham officer with an over limit complaint.
CO Angie Warren (Detroit Lakes) worked angling and boating activity on area waters. Areas were patrolled for OHV activity. CO Warren assisted with an AIS detail near Baudette and an AIS detail in the Detroit lakes area. Complaints of rough fish being dumped at multiple areas including public accesses, a deceased loon, and a loon with fishing line possibly wrapped around its’ beak were received. CO Warren also completed online departmental training.
CO Bill Landmark (Moorhead) spent the week monitoring angling activity, fire activity, boat and water safety, and AIS compliance in the Becker and Clay county area. Anglers are seeing a few more fish in the boat as water temps are nearing 60 degrees. Bow fishermen appear to be having good luck; however, the officer advises bow fishermen that it is illegal to dump their fish at the public accesses or any other public area. The officer responded to a report of a dead swan near a turkey producer south of Hawley. The bird was collected for examination and it appears there was no foul play involved. An AIS detail was worked with several neighboring officers leading into the long weekend and overall compliance was good. Several other wildlife calls from the public were handled including concerns for the moose near Hawley, nuisance beaver, and possession of an eagle feather. Enforcement actions for the week included fail to remove drain plug before transporting watercraft, no throwable cushion, and no fire extinguisher.
WREO Joe Stattelman spent the week focusing efforts on fishing activity. Time was spent conducting site visits on WCA and PW violations. An AIS workcrew was attended and worked with CO Landmark. An AIS check point was worked near Baudette. An APO meeting was attended in Fergus Falls. Several WCA cases were closed out.
District 3 – Fergus Falls area
CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) reports a fairly active Memorial Day weekend with very busy lakes. Fishing continues to be good for multiple species. Enforcement efforts concentrated on angling, AIS, and boat safety. Violations were encountered for all of the above and handled appropriately.
CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) worked a busy holiday weekend on area lakes. Fishermen checked were having good success on bass, crappie, and walleye. Plautz responded to multiple TIP complaints of over limit of fish and double tripping. Plautz monitored fishing activity at Glendalough State Park and ATV/OHM activity in the area.
CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) checked boaters, fishermen and AIS enforcement on and around area lakes. Complaints were worked regarding minnow dealers and nuisance beaver. Calls were handled in the vacant Wheaton station as well. A call on an injured loon also dealt with.
CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked fishermen, boaters and ATVs. A talk was given to a class of 5th graders at their annual campout south of Evansville. AIS checks were done at area public accesses with good compliance. Fishing complaints were taken and investigated on area lakes.
CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) spent a lot of time on station lakes this past week working boating safety, AIS enforcement, and fishing activity. Success for walleyes was sparse but panfish are getting a lot of attention. Enforcement action included fishing without a license, fishing with extra lines, marijuana possession and unregistered ATV. Incidental caught fisher and otter were turned in by local trappers.
CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) worked fishing, boating, and AIS enforcement throughout the week and busy holiday weekend. Numerous violations were documented, including a case where a man and juvenile were found to be “double-tripping” on crappie and in possession of 30 fish over the limit. The overlimit was bad enough, but it was very disappointing to see the man knowingly allow the juvenile to violate game and fish laws. Additional time was spent handling ATV and fire violations and following up on potential waters and aquatic vegetation cases. Use of force training was instructed at Camp Ripley.
CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts on anglers, boating safety and AIS law compliance. Anglers report a few fish have been biting on area lakes. Calls are coming in as folks activate goose depredation permits and numerous calls were handled regarding RMS questions. Minnow transportation permits were issued and calls from the public were fielded about a road killed deer and nuisance beaver complaints.
CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) checked fishermen, boaters, and monitored AIS compliance. Additional time was spent on injured animal calls, wetland violation complaints, and assisting the Pope County Sheriff’s Department with a float plane crash on Lake Minnewaska. Area lakes were very busy over the holiday weekend.
Wheaton – vacant.
District 4 – Wadena area
CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) worked a busy Memorial Day Weekend, taking enforcement action on angling violations, boat and water violations, ATV and forestry violations.
CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) checked ATVs, anglers and boaters. Officer Hunter assisted the sheriff’s department and spent time checking for invasive species and educating the public. CO Hunter received a call of two dead swans on a pond.
CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) checked anglers and boaters over the holiday weekend. Overall compliance was good; however, boaters are reminded to get title transfers and current registrations when buying used boats. A serious injury ATV crash was reported when one ATV crashed into another ATV when the leader stopped. Enforcement action was taken on no angling licenses, no angle license in possession, boat registration, and an arrest warrant
CO Gary Sommers (Walker) focused on sport fishing and ATV activity with nothing unusual to report. Received a call regarding a dead eagle, the matter was referred to non-game. He received a call regarding squirrels in the walls in the Longville station, the matter was referred. He was assisted by the USFS
CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) worked a busy Memorial Day weekend by focusing on AIS, angling, boating, and ATV enforcement. An ATV rollover accident occurred at a campground that resulted in injury. Commercial minnow retailer checks continue. Fishing was good for crappie and decent for walleye. Enforcement action was taken for over limit of crappie, watercraft violations, and AIS violations.
CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on angling, ATV, and boating activity. Angling success was poor. CO Broughten observed several boaters taking advantage of the warm weather even though water temperatures remain cool. CO Broughten checked compliance with invasive species laws and received the usual ATV operation complaints. CO Broughten reminds ATV operators to check regulations before operating their ATV. CO Broughten also assisted the State Patrol with a car blocking the roadway. Enforcement action included no angling license in possession, no angling license, failure to drain live well, expired boat registration, no PFD, no adult ATV safety, ATV passenger under 18 without a helmet, expired ATV registration, operate ATV on closed trail, and failure to display boat registration.
CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) worked fishermen and boaters over bass opener/Memorial Day weekend; pan fish and bass were biting well. He assisted with an ATV workcrew in a state forest. Contacts were made for no LSP permit, removing cattail bog, no helmet on youth ATV’er, and allow illegal operating of ATV.
CO Colleen Adam (ATV REC) investigated a solid waste case found in a state forest, processed seized/confiscated furs, handled a nuisance bear call and participated in AIS work crew. The pleasant holiday weekend weather provided a great opportunity for many forms of recreation, including a day of waterskiing by a group determined to enjoy water recreation.
Remer – vacant.
District 5 – Eveleth area
CO Jim Van Asch (International Falls) reports monitoring angling activities on Kabetogama and Rainy Lake. Many anglers were out and they were reporting a slower bite over the holiday weekend, but overall most anglers were able to have one or two in the live well. CO Van Asch also attended ATV Safety classes in the area and held the riding portion for the two classes later on in the week. The youths in attendance were eager to get on the course and show their skills off. Special thanks to those who volunteered to help during the class. Enforcement action was taken for over limit of walleye, no skin patch, no angling license in possession, fail to display valid watercraft registration, and failure to remove drain plug.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports angling and boating activities monitored over the holiday weekend. Assistance was provided to DNR Forestry on fire investigation. Public access sites were monitored and area forest roads patrolled. Equipment work is on-going along with computer related work and data entry.
CO Marc Hopkins (Tower) reported anglers were still having moderate success, and some larger walleye were being caught. A number of musky were caught incidentally by walleye anglers. Officer worked anglers and boating enforcement all week. The officer took a couple of bear calls, but in the end the bears moved on without any issues.
CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) worked anglers, boaters, ATVs, the state park, and invasive species enforcement. Fishing without a license and angling with extra lines was encountered frequently over the holiday weekend, including one angler who was also cited for fishing after suspension as he had not paid the extra line citation the officer issued him in 2014. Enforcement action consisted of angling without a license, angle with extra lines, unregistered watercraft, fail to display watercraft registration, no PFDs, transport aquatic macrophytes, no driver’s license, driving after revocation and a number of ATV violations.
CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) dealt with nuisance bear issues around the Virginia area. In one instance, it appeared a bear entered a trailer house twice in one evening. The homeowner was an elderly lady who had taken out her hearing aids in the evening and awoke to the mess the bear left. Instances like this are rare but CO Frericks would like to remind people that until there are more abundant natural food sources, bears may be inclined to behavior such as this. Boaters on area lakes were checked. Enforcement action was taken for failure to have navigation lights on after sunset.
CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) checked angling and boating activities throughout the week. Memorial weekend for the most part had very nice weather, with Memorial Day a soaker. Walleyes and northern were scarce but bass, blue gills, and crappies were very active. ATVs and OHM were also out in many areas. Violations of no angling license, insufficient PFD, no boat registration, and operate OHM on a roadway were found.
Ray – vacant.
District 6 – Two Harbors area
CO Sean Williams (Ely) spent the Memorial Day weekend doing ATV and boating enforcement in and around the Ely area. The lakes and trails were very busy with heavy use in most areas checked. The violation rate was found to be low, with many users thanking the Officers for being out and visible. Violations included fail to display ATV registration, no personal floatation device on a boat, and fail to display canoe registration.
CO Marty Stage (Ely) worked the eager fishermen throughout the week and memorial weekend. Stage assisted neighbors with a case involving out of state fishermen reportedly keeping too many fish. Time was also spent checking canoes in the BWCAW. Fishing appeared to be a little slow. The officer found a cabin owner from Nevada operating a boat with an outdated registration. He was advised that he would be receiving a citation like anyone else who did the same. The operator felt that he was being given a bad deal and the he shouldn’t be getting a ticket since he had been born in the area.
CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a weekend full of bad decisions, including canoers with no experience, canoeing on big waters, not knowing where they are going. They ended up swamping their canoe in 50 degree water. One family was found on a remote Canadian border lake well after dark, spotlighting fish, with dad in the front drinking beer, while his young son ran the boat motor in a lake unfamiliar to them that is full of unmarked boulders and reefs. Another group of canoers were found leaving after dark, heading out onto Big Sag, not knowing where they were going with insufficient lights to find a campsite. To round out the weekend kayakers with no life jackets out paddling over 50 degree waters.
CO Mary Manning (Hovland) helped with firearms qualifications for DNR Wildlife staff. Officer Manning checked ATV operators on forest roads. Parents are reminded that all riders under 18 must wear an approved helmet even on side by side machines. The officer helped direct a group of hikers who got turned around on the Superior Hiking Trail, handled nuisance bear and beaver complaints, checked state forest campsites, checked anglers and boaters on inland and BWCA lakes, and handled an unattended fire at an area cabin.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked primarily ATV, angling, boating, and AIS enforcement throughout the week and busy Memorial Day weekend. A volunteer safety instructor banquet was attended in Ely. Special thanks to the instructors in Ely and Babbitt. Enforcement action for the week included extra lines, litter, transport fillets without patch of skin, no navigational lights after sunset, failure to display boat registration, insufficient PFDs, youth ATV operation violations, operating ATVs in wetlands and other closed areas, and loud muffler.
CO David Schottenbauer (Silver Bay) worked a very busy Memorial Day weekend. Time was spent on angling, boating, and ATV enforcement. CO Schottenbauer assisted Lake County Sheriff’s Office with a complaint in the BWCAW where a person was upset because other people were angling near the camp site they were at. CO Schottenbauer explained that the BWCAW was public property and all visitors had an equal right to use the area.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) checked anglers, boaters, ATV riders and worked AIS. A lot of people were out recreating in the nice weather over the holiday weekend. Fishing was spotty at best with the nice weather. The officer assisted the Forest Service with a complaint of people shooting in the BWCA. Enforcement action was taken for AIS, ATV, angling, drugs, and boating violations.
CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked the holiday weekend up the Gunflint Trail with CO Fagerman. Fishing was on the slow side, but the weather cooperated for anglers and boaters alike. Enforcement action was taken for no lifesaving device on watercraft, illegal length fish, using artificial light to attract fish, and various registration and license violations.
District 7 – Grand Rapids area
CO Randy Patten (Northome) checked anglers and boaters, patrolled for illegal ATV activity, enforced invasive species laws, and handled nuisance animal complaints. Enforcement action taken for failure to obtain a burning permit, possess illegal length walleyes, no throwable PFD, no angling license in possession, and no wearable PFDs.
CO Jayson Hansen (Bigfork) checked anglers, boating activity, worked AIS, and answered various wildlife calls. He patrolled state parks, campgrounds, and forests. Violations included fail to display ATV registration, ATV on roadway, youth w/o helmet, transport aquatic vegetation, allowing illegal operation of an ATV by a juvenile, slot fish, no PFDs, watercraft registration, and no license in possession. He also assisted the county with various calls.
CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, worked AIS enforcement and monitored OHV activity. Many people were out enjoying this nicer weather. The area walleye bite was on the down side. Enforcement action was taken for no throwable and questions on the transportation of aquatic vegetation/water were answered.
CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) checked angling and boating activity this past week. Many people were out enjoying the weather and water on area lakes. Enforcement action was taken for boating and fishing violations, including no angling license purchased or in possession, insufficient PFDs, failure to have required equipment on watercrafts, and failure to display current registration. She worked ATV activity as well.
CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked angling activity over the past week with the bite heating up. Enforcement action was taken on one individual who entered a lake with weeds still attached to his trailer even after he was notified that they were present. CO Sutherland attended an event for youth that explained the job and the use of unique tools that a Conservation Officer uses to perform their job. A wetlands that was filled was also looked into by CO Sutherland this past week.
CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, watercraft, ATVs, state parks and campgrounds. He also handled various complaints and spoke at a local school during the week.
CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) spent the week working ATV, fishing and boating activity. Enforcement action was taken for illegal length walleyes, passengers on ATV under 18 without helmets.
CO John Velsvaag (NE Region ATV Officer) checked ATV activity in complaint areas this past week. CO Velsvaag also took a call on a fox with mange and questions about the bass season.
District 8 – Duluth area
CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) spent much of the weekend working angling and boating activity on area lakes. Unfortunately the most common violations observed were life jacket related. Lighting issues on watercraft were also very common during the weekend. Anglers were having mixed success but all were enjoying the weather. One pair of anglers in an non-motorized watercraft were so anxious to get out that they resorted to using snow shovels as oars when paddles could not be located at the cabin. ATV activity was also high during the warm weather and numerous violations were observed. A female rider that was stopped for operating on a county roadway said she went for a ride to dry her hair after a shower.
CO Randy Hanzal (Duluth) reports the Memorial weekend was a very busy in the Duluth area. The officer concentrated on boating safety and stopping the spread of invasive species. Several citations were issued to boaters for life jacket violations. One boater who was upset for receiving a citation for no life jackets in his boat wanted to know if this was a new requirement. Keeping illegal length fish, operating a watercraft without current registration and transporting watercraft with drain plug in place were a few other violations encountered. Officer Hanzal along with Officer Scott located a vehicle reported where a possible hostage situation was taking place. It turned out it was a prank a couple of juvenile decided to play. Neither the officers nor the pranksters found it funny in the end.
CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent the majority of the week working fishing and boat safety enforcement. Many hours were spent on area lakes checking fishing licenses, PFD requirements, watercraft safety equipment and all laws related to fishing enforcement. Other activity during the week involved AIS, ATV, ORV and litter enforcement. Officer Duncan also answered many questions from the public and returned several telephone calls.
CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked angling, boating, AIS and OHV enforcement during the week. CO Humphrey received calls and complaints on nuisance wolf, bear, beaver and an injured/orphaned deer fawn. CO Humphrey issued a resource protection notification on a wetland issue. Invasive species details were worked over the holiday weekend with overall good compliance. Angling, boating, AIS, and OHV violations were encountered.
CO Scott Staples (Carlton) worked a district work detail over the holiday weekend where several contacts were made for invasive species violations. Other activity worked in the area consisted of boating and OHV activity. Enforcement action was taken for operating ATVs and OHMs on a public roadway, operate ATV with more passengers than allowed, juvenile passenger without a helmet and registration violations. Staples observed heavy fishing activity in the area over the holiday weekend. Not a lot of fish being caught and enforcement action was taken for angling without a license, angle without license in possession and litter. One person was talked to about a bear in a tree in her back yard. She was advised to leave it alone. It left on its own a short time later.
WREO Michael Scott (NE Region Water Resource Officer) attended a district meeting with officers from the North Shore and Ely area. He worked on issues with whitefish netting and transporting bait in BWCA. Officer Scott attended a water appropriation meeting with DNR Ecological and Water Resources in Grand Rapids. Officer Scott spent time working with conservation officers in the Duluth area for Memorial Day weekend with lots of folks out enjoying the day on Saturday fishing, boating, camping and relaxing. Fishing was good for most folks. Enforcement action was taken for no life jackets, no current registration, fail to transfer title, unsafe boating gunnel riding on pontoon outside of enclosed area, no fishing license in possession and using extra lines. A local lake shore owner was found to be removing cattails on their property because they obscured their view of the lake. The activity was stopped and they were directed to talk with the area fisheries. Officer Scott worked on AIS issues with boats traveling north on Friday and South on Monday checking for drain plugs. Enforcement action was taken for numerous drain plug violations. While working in the Twig area, a report of someone in a vehicle holding up a sign in the passenger window that said, “Call 911 he took us, please help.” Officers were in the immediate area and located the vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and officers found that the driver and four other people were under the age of 17. The driver said it was a joke, but was not looking at the situation the same after being stopped by law enforcement. Parents were notified and arrangements were made for the underage folks to continue on their journey to Minneapolis under the supervision of adults.
Lake Superior Marine Unit
Sgt. Keith Olson (Marine Unit) reported a busy Memorial Day Weekend in the Duluth area. Area lakes and the North Shore had many out enjoying the water. Officer Olson worked with fellow district officers on an AIS detail on Friday afternoon. Multiple enforcement contacts for boat plugs, many from out of state, were made. He responded to a TIP call on Island Lake about a possible over limit and assisted the sheriff’s office with several calls involving fights and weapons. Olson took enforcement actions for fishing, boating and ATV violations.
CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit) monitored holiday traffic for AIS compliance. Several bilge plug/transport issues were detected and handled. High ATV use was noted in rec areas, with multiple repeated violations of expired registration, operating in unfrozen public waters, juvenile passengers with no helmets, and operation on county roads. While issuing a citation to one group of ATV operators, a group of young juveniles flew by on machines, unaccompanied by an adult. When the officer cleared the first stop and rounded the corner, he found one of the juveniles, an 8-year-old girl, walking towards him holding a badly broken arm. Medical assistance and transport issues were handled, along with appropriate enforcement and education. Enforcement action was taken for ATV, angling, and AIS violations.
CO Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) spent the week working boating, angling, AIS ATV, and OHM enforcement. He worked on some wildfire investigations. He investigated someone removing a beaver dam. He also relayed information on a camping dispute in the BWCA where the CO’s had radio coverage, but no cell coverage. A couple of AIS details were worked over the holiday weekend. Many out of state boaters coming into Minnesota were educated on AIS regulations. One boater remembered to take his boat plug out, but could not resist bringing live fish home, and did not drain his live well. Also remember when fishing Lake Superior you need to know if you are in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Enforcement actions were taken for angling, boating, AIS, ATV, and OHM violations.
District 9 – Brainerd area
CO Randy Posner (Brainerd) worked on fishing enforcement this last week. The bite is getting better the walleye and northern have been more cooperative. The most active fish have been the bass. Violations he found were no license, and trespassing. He worked on complaints of shoreline violations and a report of a property owner repairing ice ridge without a permit. The county had suspended the permit requirement because of unusually extensive ice damage this year. He worked with AIS inspectors on Gull checking boats for violations. Some of the violations observed were aquatic vegetation on trailers and plugs in the boat while transporting. Complaints of litter and illegal camping in the Pillsbury forest were investigated.
CO Mike Lee (Crosslake) spoke to anglers this past week with good success being reported by anglers for pan fish on area lakes, with walleye activity being slow. Officer Lee assisted with firearms training and qualifications for the DNR’s Wildlife Division Officers. Officer Lee assisted with an ATV enforcement detail held in the Foothills State Forest. Enforcement actions were taken for no OHM Registration, owner allow illegal operation, failure to transfer motor vehicle title, and other various safety violations. Officer Lee also patrolled area lakes this past week with enforcement actions for boating safety violations and registration violations. Officer Lee assisted the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department with a serious ATV crash involving one side by side (Class 2) ATV. One party suffered minor injuries with the other party receiving life threatening injuries. Officer Lee also received a couple complaints of bear causing damage.
CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) investigated a complaint of wolves killing a young calf, and issued several nuisance beaver permits as road and field flooding has been an issue after recent rains. Many anglers and boaters were checked over the busy weekend, and a conservation officer saturation detail was conducted in the Spider Lake ATV Area of the Foothills State Forest. Time was also spent at area boat landings monitoring for aquatic invasive species issues.
CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) worked angling, watercraft and invasive species throughout the week. ATV work included assisting with a work crew at Foothills State Forest.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) worked sport fishing and boat and water enforcement. A nuisance bear complaint was handled. A safety day event was worked where nearly 500 5th graders were spoken to regarding ATV safety and the requirement to have an ATV safety training certificate while operating. Officer Guida also received a complaint from a citizen reporting a nighttime bow fisherman with a loud generator and shooting too close to occupied residences.
CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby) reports talking with students of the Cuyuna Range Elementary school firearms safety program on laws and ethics. School staff made it possible for a blind student to participate in the program by transferring all of the DNR program material to Braille. Enforcement efforts throughout the week and holiday weekend focused on fishing, boating, OHV, bike trail, state forest, activity on area lakes, the Mississippi River, the Cuyuna Country SRA, Crow Wing State Forest and working high visibility saturation patrol with other district officers in the Foothills State Forest for OHV activity. Numerous contacts were made for violations including boating equipment and registration, fishing related issues, underage alcohol, and ATV operation and registration.
CO Patrick McGowan (Pine River) worked anglers, and boaters throughout the weekend.
Many boaters and anglers were out enjoying the busy lakes in Crow Wing County. Enforcement action was taken for illegal boat exhaust, no life jackets, expired boat registration, angling without a license, wake violations, and one boater was arrested for boating while intoxicated.
CO Amber Peterson (McGregor) investigated an OHM crash where the OHM ended up in a ditch along a hwy, where OHMs are prohibited. She located some folks getting a jump start on their holiday weekend, camping and docking their boat at a public access overnight. She worked ATV, boating, and AIS enforcement over the holiday weekend. CO Peterson also investigated a TIP call of illegal length walleye on Big Sandy and responded to a call of a sick raccoon that was crashing a family’s holiday weekend. She also took enforcement action on a boater who maneuvered his boat/motor/trailer over and around two large boulders in order to launch his boat at a carry in only access. Several shoreline work complaints were investigated and a wetland violation was investigated. CO Peterson also assisted as a firearms instructor at Camp Ripley for qualifications for the DNR Wildlife Division.
District 10 – Mille Lacs area
CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) worked the holiday weekend surge of activity. Anglers were out between rain showers and sometimes after night ban on Mille Lacs. ATV traffic included the inexperienced and oblivious operators lacking basic safety concepts and equipment. Despite cold water and dark skies boaters were still out without life jackets or lights. Verkuilen also responded to a wildlife complaint, helped staff the TIP trailer at the state park, and checked trailer traffic for vegetation and boat plugs.
CO Chris Tetrault (Isle) was working with a neighboring officer on Mille Lacs Lake. The officers approached an angler on the lake observed three lines in the water; two which were inconspicuously hidden. The angler realized that who the officers were and broke one line; but wasn’t able to get rid of the other extra line. The angler was cited for extra lines and a fish was seized. AIS activity was monitored in the area. Other enforcement action included angling without a license, insufficient PFD’s on a watercraft, no helmets on juveniles on an ATV, and Mille Lacs night ban violations.
CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports working Mille Lacs Lake over the week and the Holiday weekend. A few walleyes were seen along with some bass caught too. ATV activity was monitored throughout the Malmo Station including in the Solana State Forest. AIS enforcement was done around the Mille Lacs Lake area and also around the station’s smaller lakes. Please remember to drain all water related equipment, clean off any weeds and to remove the drain plug before leaving the access. Assistance was given to a neighboring Officer on a wildlife complaint and lots of AIS, ATV, fishing, and boating related law questions were fielded during the week and weekend. Enforcement action for the week included various Fishing, ATV, AIS, and Boating violations.
CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) worked anglers and boaters throughout the week and holiday weekend. One angler was spotted using extra lines. When asked why he was using more lines than allowed he replied, “Because the fish weren’t biting.” He was cited for the violation and warned for his throwable life saving device not being readily accessible and for having a non-working fire extinguisher. Other enforcement action for the weekend included transporting aquatic macrophytes, no angling licenses in possession, no audible device on a boat, operating class 1 ATVs on the roadway and riding two abreast down a public road. Speldrich issued nuisance beaver permits and assisted the county with a submerged watercraft on a local lake. The boat was recovered in 17 feet of water.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) made arraignments for the TIP trailer to be at Kathio State Park’s “Friends and Family Day,” with numerous questions answered. A case of dumped rough fish was investigated. Bowfishermen should be reminded that dumping activities will shed a bad light on the sport. Rough fish can be used for many things; wanton waste is not one of them. CO Starr assisted Morrison County Sheriff’s Office with the busy “Mudfest” weekend. ATV activity was patrolled with trespass in freshly planted agriculture fields being the main concern. A bear complaint was also dealt with, along with a hen mallard and ducklings that were stuck in town. Enforcement action was also taken for a public access violation.
CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the week following up on nuisance animal complaints, burning complaints, and spent time checking state forests for activity. He spent time over the holiday weekend checking anglers and fishermen in the Pine City area. CO Wynn and CO Grundmeier assisted with a Memorial Day Parade in Pine City, worked ATV complaints throughout the area, and spent time monitoring accesses for AIS activity and education. Enforcement contacts included operating ATVs in closed trails, illegal juvenile operation of ATV’s, angling with unattended lines, no licenses in possession, boating, and OHM violations.
WREO Rob Haberman worked AIS enforcement around the Brainerd and Cross Lake area. While checking shore fishermen, WREO Haberman was educating individuals about not taking water from the lake and transporting it. After WREO Haberman educated one individual, WREO Haberman left the landing to go grab a bite to eat when a DNR employee overheard a woman in the restaurant on the phone explaining to someone that a CO told her to dump her water out from the lake and she said ok but left the landing with the water and played “dumb” to the CO. The employee notified WREO Haberman who was in line at the restaurant and WREO Haberman followed the individual to her car while she was still on the phone explaining how she was not going to follow the rules. WREO Haberman approached the woman and found the bucket of water and fish from the access. The individual admitted to not draining the bucket. The individual was cited for transporting infested water (zebra mussel infested.) WREO Haberman also conducted ATV enforcement and boat safety enforcement.
District 11 – St. Cloud area
WREO Keith Bertram spent the week checking fishermen, boaters, and working AIS. Enforcement action was taken for AIS violations, license violations, and insufficient boat safety equipment. Wetland restoration orders were also served in Morrison County.
CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) reported angling and watercraft activities were checked. There were several permit burns and recreational fires. An ATV complaint was received and the area monitored.
CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked angling, bow fishing and turkey hunters. High violation rates continue with the bow fishing activity. The holiday weekend brought out a lot of anglers when the weather cooperated.
CO Brian Mies (Annandale) checked anglers. CO Mies assisted with an AIS check in Meeker County. CO Mies checked turkey hunters and complaints.
CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) gave presentations to students at Pierz Elementary School. The 4th graders heard about COs and what their job is about. The 5th graders were introduced to the basic principles of wildlife management. The 6th graders discussed the topic of poaching and the consequences that come with that illegal activity.
CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked anglers, boaters and AIS enforcement. An AIS road check was worked in the Darwin area. Most boaters have been doing a good job with the AIS laws. An illegal fire was investigated where the citizen was burning plastic silage bags and various household garbage. Enforcement action was taken for burning of prohibited material.
St. Cloud – vacant.
District 12 – Princeton area
CO Angela Londgren (Cambridge) checked anglers, boaters, ATVs, minnow/turtle traps, and conducted AIS compliance checks. Officer Londgren also investigated public water violation checks, and a report of a calf killed.
CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) spent time this week checking anglers, boating and ATV activity in Wright County. Several angling complaints were investigated. Spring is also a busy time for wildlife calls with the young of the year wildlife out and about. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license, over limit of crappies, allow illegal operation by a juvenile of an ATV and registration violations on recreational vehicles.
CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports a busy holiday weekend. CO Langevin spent the weekend checking fishing, boating and AIS regulations. CO Langevin also received a call of a great blue heron caught in a pan trap on a dock. CO Langevin was able to remove the trap from the heron’s foot. The landowners were contacted regarding the issue. Enforcement action was taken. Other violations included illegal length bass, illegal length walleye, fail to remove drain plug and no license in possession.
CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) checked anglers during the week. Fishing success was good for many anglers. Time was also spent in high ATV traffic areas. Enforcement action was taken on burning of prohibited materials and operating an ATV on a county road.
CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked fishermen on area lakes and rivers. He followed up on a number of nuisance animal calls. He also followed up on a dumping complaint in the Sand Dunes State Forest. He did a site inspection on a possible wetland and public waters violation.
CO Tony Musatov (Sauk Rapids) investigated a wetland complaint and an ATV trespassing call. Anglers and boaters were checked. Time was spent on an aquatic vegetation issue and enforcement work on aquatic invasive species.
Princeton – vacant.
District 13 – West Metro area
CO Steve Walter (Waconia) worked a St .Croix River bridge detail in Stillwater. A district 13 work detail was worked for AIS violations on Lake Minnetonka. Several goose damage to crops and beaver damage complaints were handled. Boaters, ATV operators and anglers were checked.
CO Brent Grewe (Osseo) spent the week checking anglers and following up with TIP complaints. CO Grewe worked an aquatic invasive species detail in the Minnetonka area over the holiday weekend. Violations included no lifejacket, license issues, expired boat registration and failure to remove boat drain plug on roadway.
CO Traci Hanson (Minnetonka) worked anglers, boaters and aquatic invasive species enforcement. Hanson found several people still transporting their boats with the drain plug in the boat as well as some individuals who failed to clean their boat and trailers of aquatic vegetation. Hanson worked Lake Minnetonka over the unofficial summer opener and found several anglers using an extra line as well finding boaters with shortages on personal floatation devices, no lights and registration issues. CO Hanson gave the law enforcement aquatic invasive species training to Carver County deputies as well as a law presentation to a boating safety course in St. Louis Park.
CO Chelsie Leuthardt (Prior Lake) caught up on some pending work leading up to the Memorial Day weekend and had a busy weekend in Scott County. Leuthardt and many others enjoyed the beautiful Friday weather kicking off the Memorial Day weekend. She spent the week checking anglers, recreational boaters and participated in an AIS saturation detail. Many anglers enjoyed their success bass fishing now that they are allowed to keep what they caught. Enforcement action was taken for insufficient PFDs, no angling license, no angling license in possession, failing to display valid boat registration, angling with extra lines, and transporting zebra mussels.
CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked anglers and boaters in the Mound station. He inspected weed rollers with LT. Glaser and worked an AIS detail in the Lake Minnetonka area. He assisted CO Reller with interpretation on a fish case and answered calls on a coyote complaint, car killed deer, and a career day in the Hmong community. Violations included failing to remove drain plugs, fishing with extra lines, and fishing without an angling license in possession.
CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) followed up and completed two incidents of transporting zebra mussels found by Minneapolis watercraft inspectors and appropriate action was taken. He returned phone calls regarding boating regulations and nuisance animal concerns in the Bloomington station. He assisted Fort Snelling State Park staff with questions about Park rules and regulations along with enforcement activity.
Bloomington – vacant.
Mound – vacant.
District 14 – East Metro area
CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) continued to work fishing and boating enforcement around the Metro lakes and rivers. He spent some time on AIS enforcement at some of the Metro lake boat accesses. CO Pril also spoke at a firearms safety class in Apple Valley and responded to miscellaneous animal calls. Violations found included insufficient life jackets in boat, failure to affix boat license number to watercraft, fishing with extra lines and unattended lines, and no fishing license in possession.
CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) spent the week checking area lakes for anglers and watercraft users. He also responded to a possible shoreline violation, patrolled wildlife management areas and worked on a littering case. Enforcement action was taken for PFD violations, no fishing license, illegal length walleye, no fire extinguisher and failure to remove drain plug.
WREO Adam Block (Metro) spent the week focusing on AIS and wetland enforcement. WREO Block spent time teaching at the DNR Basic Boating School for water patrol deputies from across Minnesota. A wetland site inspection was completed in Carver County and an AIS saturation was worked with area officers around Lake Minnetonka over the weekend. WREO Block also completed an interview with a metro media outlet regarding AIS enforcement.
CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) worked AIS enforcement at various accesses in the area. She handled fawn calls, nuisance animal calls and worked on a deer license case. CO Kruse met with a new county attorney, handled various TIP calls and worked boating and fishing enforcement on area lakes and streams.
CO Brad Johnson (Maplewood) reports that he worked the bass opener and Memorial Day Weekend checking anglers and boaters. Violations included no fishing license in possession, angle with extra line, and keeping bass on Pool 2 of the Mississippi River. CO Johnson investigated a reported waters violation on Twin Lake in Little Canada. He received calls on dock trespass, and injured geese. CO Johnson patrolled at Afton State Park.
CO Tony Salzer (Ham Lake) patrolled Anoka County for angling activity. CO Salzer also patrolled area lakes for boating activity. Officer Salzer also received several calls regarding new born fawns that had been found and would like to remind people not to touch or move fawns.
CO Joe Kulhanek (Hastings) had a very busy Memorial Day weekend checking anglers who even braved the rain with a fair number fish seen in the live well. He responded to a call of an orphaned fawn in the median of a freeway which was rescued and brought to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. He assisted the Washington County Attorney prepare a big game case for court. Enforcement action for the week included no fishing license, angle with extra line, illegal length walleye, along with various boating safety violations.
Eagan – vacant.
Metro Officer – vacant.
District 15 – Marshall area
WREO Larry Hanson (Southern Region) assisted with AIS checks in Meeker and Jackson counties. Training was attended in New Ulm. AIS, fishermen and ATVs were checked over the Memorial Day Weekend. Boat and water safety was also worked with good compliance. Follow up on WCA violations was also completed.
CO Doug Lage (Marshall) conducted his weekly radio show on KLOH radio. Walleye action is taking place on all area lakes with good numbers of fish being taken. Rainy weather did not damper the walleye bite. Enforcement action was taken on lifejacket requirements, over- loaded boats, and no license.
CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) reported Memorial Weekend was busy with a lot of fishing activity due to a good walleye bite. Cool temperatures kept most jet skis and speed boats on the lifts and trailers. Multiple boating violations were found during the week. Boat owners are reminded that all boats 16 feet in length and greater need to have a type IV throwable PFD. Assistance was also given with an ATV safety class in Redwood Falls.
CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) checked AIS, angling, boating, and OHV activity during the week. This officer was a guest speaker on Minn-Dak Outdoors, a weekly radio show on KDIO radio in Ortonville. Multiple reports of illegal fishing activity were reported within a local Waterfowl Production Area. Littering issues continue. AIS, angling, ATV, and boating violations were encountered during the week.
CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week checking anglers. Memorial Weekend saw good numbers of anglers taking to area lakes. Lake Benton continues to be the most productive walleye lake in the area. An AIS detail was worked in Jackson County.
Benson – vacant.
Madison – vacant.
Redwood Falls – vacant.
Worthington – vacant.
District 16 – New Ulm area
CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) worked anglers, boaters and shore fishermen during the holiday weekend and noted some lakes producing walleyes. He monitored boat accesses for compliance with AIS laws. Denz also fielded calls reporting a bear in the area.
CO Nicholas Klehr (Litchfield) spent the week working boating safety taking enforcement action for no life jackets, not using navigational lights, and not displaying registration numbers. ATV activity was also monitored. Multiple calls were received regarding a black bear that was spotted in the area. An AIS check station was worked in the county with multiple officers.
CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) worked an area where TIP calls had been received of people keeping bass before the season opener. She along with other officers worked an AIS roadside check station. She also assisted with an AIS saturation in Jackson County over the weekend. Mueller educated some anglers who had just caught a shovel-nose sturgeon on the Minnesota River and had no idea what it was.
CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) worked an AIS detail with very good overall compliance. Angling enforcement was also worked with enforcement action taken for license violations. A DNR Wildlife shoot was also worked at Camp Ripley.
CO Thor Nelson (New Ulm) worked an invasive species enforcement detail. He received calls of ATV trespass and nuisance wildlife calls. Nelson worked primarily fishing, invasive species, boating and ATV enforcement.
CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) worked fishing, boat and water safety enforcement, turkey hunting and AIS throughout the county. Gruhlke assembled an AIS saturation enforcement effort in Jackson County on Saturday morning of the holiday weekend. Several boats were checked with good compliance noted. Gruhlke has received several calls concerning efforts of both the USFWS and the state DNR and their clearing of woody vegetation on WPAs and WMAs respectively. The calls have been referred to the appropriate agencies.
Willmar #1 – vacant.
Windom – vacant.
District 17 – Mankato area
CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) worked AIS enforcement, ATV complaints and handled several wildlife complaints. Fishing and boat and water activity was also checked. A wetland issue was investigated.
CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) spent a busy Memorial Day weekend checking trout anglers, working AIS enforcement, and boat and water safety. Received reports of people picking up what they believed to be abandoned baby fawns. Trout angling success was high on area streams, as was the number of angling violations. Enforcement action was taken for over-limits of fish, wanton waste, and failure to remove watercraft drain plug.
CO Luke Belgard (Faribault) checked anglers, boaters, and recreational vehicle operators. Anglers are having some success on area lakes. Time was spent monitoring public water accesses for AIS violations.
CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) checked anglers on area lakes and rivers. AIS and boating activity were also monitored. County and township roads were patrolled for ATV activity. A wild turkey wanton waste investigation was started in Dodge County. Anyone with information is asked to call the TIP line.
CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) spent the week checking anglers, boaters, and monitoring AIS compliance at area lakes and public water accesses. Officer Ihnen also patrolled for turkey hunting activity and responded to TIP calls. In addition, a presentation was given to area 7th graders regarding the job duties of conservation officers.
WREO Julie Siems followed up on WCA and Public Waters violations. A check station was also worked with K9 Brady. Many people were out over the holiday weekend.
Albert Lea – vacant.
Mankato #1 – vacant.
District 18 – Rochester area
CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports receiving a call from a subject mushroom hunting stating he found a cooler in the woods full of trout. CO Chihak and CO Boyum watched the cooler until a vehicle showed up later in the day. Four subjects were later found to be over limit on trout. Enforcement action was taken. Other violations encountered were no license in possession and over limit of trout.
CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working fishing enforcement along with returning calls and questions regarding baby animals out in the spring. Fishing has improved on Lake Pepin with limits being taken in spots. Recreational vehicle and a minnow dealer issue were also addressed.
CO Phil George (Rochester) worked the week checking anglers and watercraft operators. Officer George took a complaint of ATV’s in the road ditch. Enforcement action was taken for various boating violations, ATV violation, and angling without a license.
CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports turkey hunters and trout fishermen had some success. The Big River fishing is a bit slow. Everyone is waiting for the bluegill bite to take off. Boaters had a great first day of the holiday weekend before the rain started. Morels are coming to an end. He spent time training on a new computer and equipment.
CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports the baby and nuisance animal calls continue. Two fawns were reported in the middle of town in a school garden. The fishing in the area was heavy with very slow success. Turkey hunting was winding down with not many hunters still out. Hemker also investigated trespass related to hunting and mushrooms. There was heavy ATV use in the area over the holiday weekend.
CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reports spending time this past week and weekend checking invasive species, ATV, forestry, boating and fishing activity. The river has come up in the area and there is a lot of debris floating in it. Most fishing success has been pretty slow with the exception of white bass. When the weather was nice over the weekend the activity was high. Baby animal calls continue to come in. Some fishing and boating violations were detected.
CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked mainly anglers and rec vehicles during the week. Lots of people were out for the beginning of the holiday weekend before the rain. Various violations were encountered for fishing and the rec vehicles, including DWI.
Rochester #2 – vacant.
Training Section
Planning is ongoing for this year’s training activities, including ordering equipment and supplies and reserving training areas at Camp Ripley.
Aviation Section
CO Pilot Jason Jensen (Brainerd) reports flying a rookery surveillance flight for a U of M researcher. Walleye fry were also transported and stocked into various wilderness lakes in the BWCA from the Tower hatchery. A pine marten telemetry flight rounded out the missions until weather proved to be a factor for the holiday weekend.
CO Pilot Bob Geving (New Ulm) spent the week flying the spring nesting waterfowl survey. Two thirds of the way through the survey now and the numbers appear to be average with previous year’s counts.
NR Pilot Brad Maas (Brainerd) completed the NW sandhill crane survey. Preliminary numbers show improvement over last year’s numbers of cranes. This data will be used to help with season setting goals for the fall hunting season
NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) flew wetland photos for forest assessment and started a swan survey for nongame
CO/Pilot Chris Lofstuen (Bemidji) reports flying an infrared photo assessment flight of a recent burn area with DNR Forestry as well as multiple wetland photo inventory flights, completing the project for this year. Aircraft maintenance issue were also addressed