CONSERVATION OFFICER WEEKLY REPORT

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) checked fishing and boating activity on Rainy Lake, Rainy River, Namakan Lake, and Lake Kabetogama. Boating safety compliance was very good over the weekend. Enforcement action taken for the week included illegal length fish, over limit, no angling license in possession, and take sturgeon during closed season. Law enforcement meeting with Ontario game wardens was attended in Int’l Falls also.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area lakes and access sites, forest roads were checked as were public water access sites. Additional time was spent on administrative work, routine equipment upkeep and returning phone calls.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports the rain has finally stopped, for a little while anyway. The few people observed fishing were catching a few bass and some pan fish. Forest roads were patrolled for illegal ATV activity.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) primarily worked invasive species enforcement, anglers and boaters, worked the Operation Dry Water campaign on area lakes, investigated a wetland and a littering violation, and appeared in court on a wildfire case. An angler claiming he had a license who signed an affidavit that he had a license turned out not to have one after all. He will be sent two citations including no fishing license and signing a false affidavit. The officer found a vehicle in the state park without a park permit. The park staff’s previous days demand for payment warning for the vehicle was torn up and lying near the car. When the car left the park, the Officer Bozovsky stopped it discovering violations of no park permit, driving after suspension, no insurance and littering. Other enforcement action was taken on no angling license in possession, alcohol violations and a number of boating violations.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent a large majority of his time patrolling area lakes and rivers checking anglers, boaters and personal watercraft. With nicer weather finally upon us the lakes were busy with people enjoying the shortened summer. Numerous violations were dealt with to include angling with extra lines, no PFD and operating unregistered watercraft. Boaters need to be sure they have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board their watercraft before leaving shore and going out onto their favorite lake.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) has received more complaints of beaver flooding activity; this is all compounded due to high water levels. A site visit was conducted on a Wetland/Public Waters complaint with other agencies, a C&D was issued followed by a restoration order. Lake water temperatures have finally allowed water activities of skiing, tubing and jet skis. Violations of no PFD, no angling license, and angling with extra lines were found.

Ray — vacant.

I. Falls # 2 — vacant.

District 1 — Baudette area

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls) worked angling and boating activity on Lake of the Woods, Lake Bronson, and area rivers. AIS checks were performed and questions answered. Areas were patrolled for off-road vehicle activity. Complaints of deer damaging yards in Thief River Falls were received. A complaint of a nuisance bear was investigated. Follow up was conducted in regards to permitted water usage.

CO Demosthenes Regas (Blackduck) monitored angler activity on Upper Red Lake and ATV activity throughout the week. Enforcement actions for the week included over length walleyes, angling without license in possession, registration violations and disposal of bait in public waters.

Baudette -vacant.

Karlstad — vacant.

Warroad #1 — vacant.

Warroad #2 — vacant.

District 2 — Bemidji area

CO Tom Hutchins (Crookston) worked mostly angling and watercraft enforcement. ATV operators were checked and a suspected public waters violation site was inspected. Violations included angling and watercraft violations.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) worked angling and boating activities with an extra effort during the Operation Dry Water project. Multiple wildlife calls were taken and multiple assists were given to other law enforcement agencies. Commercial wildlife businesses were monitored and a trespass investigation was completed. The highlight of the week was participating in a Take A Kid Fishing event while the weather and fish cooperated.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked anglers, patrolled for ATVs and responded to a dead eagle call. The eagle was in fact a turkey vulture.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Bemidji) monitored angling activity on area lakes throughout the week. Anglers are reporting a good early morning and evening bite for walleye on most area lakes. CO Vollbrecht performed AIS checks at various Lake Bemidji accesses. While sitting at one access a vehicle drove in and parked illegally. Officer went to talk to the driver about moving and smelled a strong odor of marijuana when the window was rolled down. After speaking with the driver for a short period of time it was discovered the driver was smoking methamphetamine and the passenger was smoking the marijuana. The driver was arrested and charged. CO Vollbrecht called to assist Beltrami County with a standoff with a suicidal individual. Time was spent monitoring ATV and ORV traffic on area roads and trails.

CO Brian Holt (Bemidji) worked angling activity, ATVs and wolf complaints throughout the week. A complaint of ATV’s causing damage to a wetland was investigated. Officer Holt assisted local law enforcement with a call and also spent time working special regulation lakes. Enforcement activity for the week included illegal length fish and boat and water safety violations.

CO Chris Vinton (Detroit Lakes) reports contacting several boaters and anglers. He also spent time discussing AIS rules and how to inspect their watercraft. CO Vinton patrolled Detroit Lake for Operation Dry Water. Compliance was very good with only a few minor registration violations discovered. Many of the boaters were aware of the program and had designated operators for the boats. Calls about a snapping turtle in a window well, baby bunnies in a garden and taking snapping turtles once the season opens were taken. TIP investigations of possible over-limits are continuing.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) continued with a depredation case with ongoing heifer loss, worked ATV enforcement, and attended training. Anglers and boaters were checked and a public waters draining complaint was handled.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) spent the week checking anglers and boaters. CO Forsberg reminds PWC owners to familiarize themselves with juvenile operation laws and hours of operation. Complaints of unattended traps and taking snapping turtles out of season were investigated. CO Forsberg assisted Wilkin County Deputies with flood duties in the city of Wolverton after they received almost nine inches of rain.

WREO Joe Stattelman followed up on questions regarding trespass, WCA, APM and AIS questions and cases.

Perham — vacant.

District 3 — Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) reports complaints of aquatic plant removal were common during the past week. Angling pressure was monitored with good catch rates reported. Richards spoke to students at the Breckenridge Junior Police Academy about duties performed by Conservation Officers. Several car-killed turtles were observed due to their increased activity.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) worked boating and fishing enforcement over the weekend. Violations for illegal length northern, no fishing license, insufficient number PFDs, and no license in possession were addressed. Nuisance beaver were handled and a CKD permit was issued.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) focused enforcement activity checking fishermen and boaters. Several nuisance animal complaints were handled on beaver, raccoon and turtles. Special beaver permits were issued and waters/fill violations were handled.

CO Shane Osborne (Evansville) checked boaters, fishermen and ATVs. Littering complaints of dead carp were received and investigated. Boat light violations were high the past couple of weekends and Osborne reminds boaters and fishermen that navigation lights have to be on at sunset. Sunset tables for Minnesota are in the back of the fishing and boating regulations.

CO Mitch Lawler (Alexandria) reports a very busy week in the Alexandria Lakes area. Lots of boaters, jet skiers and fishermen are enjoying the water. Enforcement action was taken included fishing with no license and extra lines, overlimit of fish, expired watercraft registration, and operating PWC after hours. CO Lawler arrested an individual for DWI on an ATV operating on a rural township road. This individual was arrested for the same offense a few years earlier operating the same ATV.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) continued to work primarily fishing, boating, and AIS enforcement. Additional time was spent looking into possible wetland and aquatic vegetation violations, and ORV and fire activity was monitored. Several open investigations were followed up on and closed out.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) focused enforcement efforts on anglers and boating safety enforcement. Anglers are still catching fish on several area lakes and rivers. Additional time was spent issuing minnow transportation permits. Calls were fielded regarding floating bog/waters permits, orphaned animals, fishing questions and goose complaints.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) reports enforcement efforts included checking fishermen, boaters, ATV operators, and minnow trappers. Time was also spent on following up on a goose shooting complaint and handling AIS violations. Several calls were received about “orphaned” animals, and floating bogs of cattails on shorelines after recent heavy rains increased lake levels rapidly. People are reminded to leave wild animals alone, and that a permit is required to move or remove pieces of floating bog.

Wheaton — vacant.

District 4 — Wadena area

CO Gary Sommers (Walker) focused on sport fishing, boating, and AIS activity. He received calls regarding a badger, which turned out to be a groundhog digging next to someone’s home, and a call of a deer caught in a fence. Officer Sommers also received a call regarding some issues on U.S. Forest Service land; the matter was referred to USFS.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked boaters. In one instance, he stopped a boat after the boat operator was towing a skier and others were jumping out of the boat simultaneously while traveling at a good rate of speed. Once it was stopped Officer Mathy discovered the boater had placed registration from another boat onto their boat to make it appear the boat was registered even though it was unregistered. In addition, the boat was overloaded with too many passengers and two others were cited for underage consumption of alcohol. Enforcement action was also taken for towing a skier without an observer, failing to display registration, and operating a boat with persons riding on the gunwales.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent the week focusing on angling, boating, and ATV activity. Angling success slowed as boating activity increased across the Longville lakes area. CO Broughten worked a detail on Cass Lake during Operation Dry Water. CO Broughten also gave a presentation to the Association of Cass County Lakes and fielded calls concerning dead crows, orphaned fawn, and nuisance beaver. Enforcement action included: no angling license in possession, failure to display watercraft registration, operate watercraft with person riding on bow, and owner allow operation of watercraft without required equipment.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Shane Siltala enforced AIS laws over the past weekend; compliance rate was good overall. He investigated a complaint of illegal destruction of aquatic plants. Officer Siltala also visited a possible wetlands violation site, resulting in information forwarded to the SWCD, and closed out two wetland cases due to satisfactory restoration.

District 6 — Two Harbors area

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) worked BWI enforcement for Operation Dry Water during the pre-holiday weekend. CO Manning also checked area campgrounds on complaints of permanent campers; all sites were vacant when checked. The officer also used the rainy days to complete office upgrades and yearend paperwork. A local motorcycle operator was stopped and ticketed for popping wheelies on city streets and was advised of better locations for playing on his OHM.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports a very quiet week in the woods and backwaters. People that have ventured out are finding excellent walleye fishing about anywhere they go in the remote, smaller lakes. Some anglers are reporting the best fishing in many years. Enforcement action was taken for no registration on non-resident canoes.

CO Don Murray (Two Harbors) worked fishing, watercraft, and ATV activity over the weekend. The nice stretch of weather filled camping areas up the North Shore and fishing seemed to be good in most areas with most anglers having some fish. Murray also handled nuisance beaver complaints and worked on a big game investigation.

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports anglers took advantage of the good weather and decreased insects around Ely. Anglers reported good luck with large sunfish, bass, and crappies with most anglers having some luck. Violations included allowing the illegal operation of an OHM by a juvenile, possessing live bait on a designated trout lake, and operating a watercraft without a personal floatation device.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked the Operation Dry Water boating safety campaign over the weekend. Violations included no navigational lights after sunset and a PFD violation. Overall compliance was good. CO Bermel arrested two subjects for warrants as a result of unpaid DNR tickets. One warrant subject was in possession of a controlled substance, resulting in a felony drug charge. CO Bermel observed two people bobber fishing off a dock one evening. When he turned the boat towards them to check their licenses one subject left his pole and headed into the woods while the other took his with and followed suit. Upon making a quick arrival and exit at the dock the other pole was found in the woods with the minnow still attached. The subjects were soon encountered with neither having a fishing license. Citations were issued and equipment seized. Other enforcement action was taken for possession of un-measurable northerns on a special regulations lake and AIS violations.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) spent time working boating and fishing enforcement both in and outside of the BWCAW. Extra lines and no fishing license were the most common violations encountered. The small, fast mosquitos have arrived with vigor after all the rains. Invasive species enforcement was a priority and compliance was pretty good as far as the trailered boats arriving at the accesses with their plugs removed. There are still people that think the square “throwable” cushions are a legal PFD. They are not. A wearable PFD is a must for each person on board.

Silver Bay — vacant.

District 7 — Grand Rapids area

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) worked anglers over the past week with many sportsmen out and about due to the nice weather. Enforcement action was taken for failing to have valid registration on a boat, not having enough life saving devices on board a watercraft, Boating While Intoxicated and having unattended lines out.

CO Randy Patten (Northome) patrolled the area for illegal ATV activity, attended a meeting with Ontario Resource Officers, checked anglers and boaters, investigated litter and vandalism complaints on state forest lands, and enforced campground regulations.

CO Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) checked anglers, attended K-9 training, worked boat and water enforcement, responded to a float plane that was upside down in the lake and assisted the county with a search for motor vehicle thieves that fled into the mines. The area anglers had good success over the past week. Enforcement action was taken for operate ATV on roadway, burn without permit, no license in possession and possess illegal length walleye.

CO John Velsvaag (Region II ATV officer) patrolled in the Hill City, Grand Rapids and Remer areas this past week. Bugs and consistent rain seemed to reduce activity.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Grand Rapids) worked area lakes for boating activity this past week. She found very good compliance, only issuing a few warnings to boaters for not having appropriate boating equipment on board. She assisted the county with an ongoing investigation involving car theft in the Grand Rapids area. She also handled a call from a hiker on the Trout Lake Tract concerning two gray wolves that had been following her. The caller was fairly shaken up as the wolves were only 30 feet away and didn’t appear to be startled by the hiker’s presence. Hiking is a great Minnesota past time and is an opportunity to witness wildlife in their habitat. Hikers need to be prepared for their journey and a few simple things to remember are: water, map, compass, cellular phone, food, and a whistle.

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, watercraft, ATVs, state parks and campgrounds. He also worked two special projects during the week documenting various boating and fishing violations.

CO Jayson Hansen ( Bigfork) worked angling, boating, ATV, and campground enforcement. Violations of people intentionally running over turtles are being investigated. For running over a turtle, the violators face a fine of $285 plus restitution for each turtle.

CO Shawn Wichmann (Hill City) spent the week working fishing and boating activity. Enforcement action was taken for failure to display registration, no license in possession, boat registrations, and boating DUI. Wichmann also issued numerous beaver permits.

District 8 — Duluth area

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) worked area lakes and rivers. Life preservers, license violations, and registration issues were handled. ATV complaint areas were worked and enforcement action taken for registration, roadway violations, and youth without helmets. Wildlife complaints were handled.

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) spent time training and getting ready for upcoming dog certification trials. Boat and water activity was worked in the area but poor weather kept activity very low. K9 assistance was given to the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office in tracking several individuals that fled from a stolen car.

Water Resource Enforcement Officer Mike Scott (NE MN) met with DNR Eco folks on Park Point reference protection of Park Point an endangered terrestrial plant that has been impacted several times now this year. A meeting with the City of Duluth and DNR was attended reference the Beach Grass issue and more information is forthcoming from DNR Eco staff. Planning for this year’s State Fair was attended as the theme again is AIS. Assistance to the Tri-State AIS group in developing a Tri-State TV Commercial on AIS was worked on. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are working jointly on this project through DNR Ecological Services. A WCA case was closed out on a local ongoing case with a deed restriction being released as compliance of the violation was completed.

Lake Superior Marine Unit

Sgt. Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers and worked ODW on the St. Louis River and bay. He checked anglers on inland lakes. He also worked ATV and OHV enforcement in the state forest area north of Duluth. Some nuisance bear calls fielded.

CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked anglers and boaters on Lake Superior. A local law enforcement student joined the officer one day for a ride along. Trout and salmon are starting to show up in Minnesota waters near Duluth, but a few weeks later than usual. Enforcement action was taken for angling and ATV violations.

District 9 — Brainerd area

CO Mike Lee (Crosslake) checked anglers this past week with so-so success being reported anglers. Officer Lee received a complaint of a loon’s nest being stolen from an area lake. The nest was not being use at the time, but has been used in past years. Officer Lee received assistance from fellow officers in District 9 as well as from District 10 in efforts on the Whitefish Chain for Operation Dry Water. Officers were also assisted in the detail by the Crosslake Police Department.

CO Randy Posner (Brainerd) reports that he worked on fishing enforcement this past week. The anglers are out and the walleye bite has slowed. The sunfish, bass and northern have been active and the most cooperative for angler. Some of the violations he observed were no license, over limit of large fish and extra lines. Boating enforcement also received sometime this past week. No lights after sunset, PWCs operate within 150 feet of shore and loud boats violations were detected. He also worked on aquatic invasive species prevention on Gull Lake. Plugs in boats, water in live wells and aquatic vegetation on trailers were found.

CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) participated in Operation Dry Water enforcement efforts with enforcement action taken for operate watercraft with children under 10 with no PFDs, insufficient PFDs, riding on gunwales and sides of boat while underway, fail to display registration and operate jet skis after hours. Boat and Water Safety classes were also taught (and concluded) in both Crosslake and on Gull Lake. Students received a free PFD from Whitefish Chain Yacht Club (Crosslake class) and Gull Area Chain of Lakes (Gull Lake). A car kill bear permit was also issued.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) worked enforcing watercraft laws and regulations. Officer Guida fielded calls regarding intentional running over of snapping turtles on the highway and digging up snapping turtle nests. Officer Guida worked watercraft enforcement as part of Operation Dry Water and numerous boating regulation violations were detected. Insufficient PFDs, no horn/whistle, no fire extinguisher, and no type PFD were the majority of the violations. A 17-year-old was reminded that she needed an angling license and was directed to the nearest ELS vendor to purchase one. Boaters are also reminded that navigational lights and an anchor light need to be displayed at sunset.

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) monitored boating, ATV, and angling activity. Enforcement activity included angling without a license, boats exceeding the legal noise limits, illegal boat exhaust cut-outs, expired registrations, not enough life jackets, no throwable life preservers, and allowing boating passengers to ride on the bow or transom of the boat.

CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) spoke at an MDHA Forkhorn camp, handled a bear complaint, and a complaint on lakebed filling. Time was also spent on a case involving the attempted illegal sale of a fox after the officer received multiple tip calls. He assisted Officer Verkuilen with a boater in distress on Mille Lacs Lake. Angling, watercraft and invasive species were also worked.

CO Jim Tischler (Cuyuna Country State Rec. Area) monitored angling, boating, and recreational activity in and around the SRA. He also assisted the Crow Wing County Sheriff Dept. with a missing person search and investigated a wolf/cattle depredation incident.

McGregor — vacant.

District 10 — Mille Lacs area

CO Greg Verkuilen (Garrison) worked area boating and angling activity including lots of shore anglers doing well. In one of those instances anglers were cited for trespassing. Non-resident traffic has picked up with a lot of them needing education on invasive prevention, boating laws, and lawful ATV operation. Verkuilen also attended training, assisted a stranded boater, and advised on nuisance animal situations.

CO Chris Tetrault (Isle) focused enforcement heavily on Mille Lacs Lake over the week. The officer seized nine illegal length walleyes from nine different individuals. One party mentioned they were attempting to “revive” their illegal walleye in their live well. Again, be extra vigilant when measuring fish. On numerous occasions, the Officer made contact with anglers that had their limits per boat; these anglers continued fishing and attempting to target walleyes, this issue was addressed. ATV activity was monitored in the area with a high compliance rate; violations have reduced considerably. Numerous TIP calls were fielded and investigated.

CO Scott Fitzgerald (Malmo) reports checking fishermen on Mille Lacs Lake. It seems the walleyes are biting but most are reporting that a majority are throwing back fish. Officers are noticing quite a few illegal walleyes being taken out of Mille Lacs Lake. If you see this type of illegal activity please call our TIP line at 1-800-652-9093 or #TIP from your cell phone to help preserve our lake. The Officer worked a boat and water safety detail on the Whitefish chain for Operation Dry Water over the weekend. ATV activity in the station was monitored. Water appropriations training was attended in Aitkin. A presentation was given during the week in Aitkin on what Conservation Officers duties are. Assistance was given to neighboring officers on two different TIP complaints. AIS compliance was also monitored during the week and a TIP on blocking public waters was investigated. Lots of fishing, boating, AIS, and ATV law related questions were answered throughout the week. Enforcement action for the week included: take/possess illegal length walleye, operate class 1 ATV on state hwy, and no type 4 throwable on watercraft.

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) worked Operation Dry Water over the weekend. Boaters were deterred from going out on lakes due to rainy weather for part of the weekend. Enforcement action was taken for passengers riding outside of the railing on a pontoon and no angling license in possession. Time was also spent enforcing ATV laws. Enforcement action was taken for Class 1 ATV’s operating on a roadway, under 18 without a helmet and no registration displayed. Heaton answered calls regarding nuisance bear and beaver, horse trail pass requirements and angling questions.

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) finished up a wolf depredation investigation at a local farm where two month old calves were killed by Gray Wolves. Federal trappers spent some time in the area and were able remove an adult, male wolf. Heavy rains and storms throughout the week kept boat and water activity slow and caused area river flowages to be fast and potentially dangerous. River users needed to use caution as many areas had and will continue to have areas of fast moving rapids. A majority of the week’s complaints involved nuisance animals and off-highway vehicles.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent the week checking anglers, boaters, and ATV complaint areas. He took calls of nuisance animals including badgers, beavers, and bears. CO Wynn attended training at the DNR office in Aitkin focusing on water appropriation. He assisted CO Heaton with boating and angling enforcement on Sturgeon Lake, worked boating and angling activity around the Pine City area, and also spent time in the St. Croix State Forest.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) patrolled area lakes and Mille Lacs Lake. The walleye bite remains strong on Mille Lacs with a few limits seen. Several TIP complaints were handled throughout the week and weekend. Enforcement action taken on a host of fishing violations including illegal length walleye which seems to be frequent on Mille Lacs.

WREO Rob Haberman assisted area officers with Operation Dry Water on area lakes. Many boaters were enjoying the break in rain over the weekend to get out on the water. WREO Haberman also trained officers on water appropriation permits and conducted AIS enforcement throughout the area.

Onamia — vacant.

District 11 — St. Cloud area

CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) investigated a farmer building dams in a wetland and a call of a person that had buried a chest freezer in their front yard to keep over limits of minnows in. A person can only have 24 dozen minnows in possession and transport 12 dozen without a bait dealer license. Calls were handled of an injured sow bear, nuisance beaver and a whitetail buck that escaped from a game farm during one of the last storms that is still on the loose in the Bowlus area. If you see this deer with a yellow ear tag, please call the officer. While working boat and water details, CO Kuske assisted two youths in a paddle boat that could not make it back to the cabin due to current and winds. Due to high water levels, a pontoon was found in a back bay that was floating loose. Owners were contacted and the pontoon was towed back to their cabin and secured for them.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) reports good fishing and complaints of over limits being taken on Upper South Long Lake. A number of ATV violations were encountered this past week, including driving an ATV on a State Highway. Several complaints were received about individuals picking up snapping turtles during the closed season. Shoreline violations in Crow Wing and Morrison counties continue to be investigated and reported to Planning & Zoning officials.

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) spent the week working angling activity and boat and water enforcement. CO Silgjord participated in Operation Dry Water and multiple contacts were made throughout the station with enforcement action being taken for PFD violations. CO Silgjord assisted the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office with an ATV rollover with injuries. Time was spent assisting CO Reller with Boat and Water Patrol in the Buffalo area. Other enforcement action for the week included open burning of garbage, angling with extra lines, angling without a license, angling without a license in possession, and failure to display watercraft registration and littering.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked with neighboring officers regarding boat and water safety and AIS. Officer found cat fishing to be very good on the Horseshoe Chain with over limits found. Enforcement action was taken for BWI.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked anglers and boaters. Work was done on an ATV trespass complaint which resulted in a citation for trespass, a warning for destroying wetland with ATV, and a citation for no registration. Time was spent working Operation Dry Water over the weekend.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) checked anglers and watercraft activity. ATV activity was low, recreational and agricultural. Sites were checked for WCA and feedlot violations. Current violation sites were monitored for compliance. Baby swans were transported to a wildlife rehabilitator.

WREO Keith Bertram spent the week checking fishermen and boaters. Enforcement action was taken for no registration, insufficient boating safety equipment, litter, and AIS violations. WREO Bertram also assisted Sauk Centre Police with a call.

District 12 — Princeton area

CO Angela Londgren (Princeton) checked anglers/boaters, compliance on AIS laws, ATVs, and patrolled the Rum River State Forest. Officer Londgren also followed up on wetland and dumping complaints. Enforcement action was taken on: fishing without a license, failure to pull plug on watercraft, fail to display registration, and no license in possession.

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports receiving a call about a small alligator in a tree in the caller’s backyard. The caller stated that the black colored animal looked just like an alligator and its eyes were moving. The caller was instructed to call some type of animal control or attempt to get the alligator in a box. The caller decided to hit the animal and found out it was made of rubber. The rubber alligator is safe but prankster is still on the loose.

CO Rick Reller (Buffalo) spent most of the week checking anglers and boaters on area lakes. Several TIP call were investigated for over limit and individuals leaving carp along shorelines of area lakes. Reller also worked boating enforcement for operation dry water. Enforcement action was taken for minor consumption, not wearing PFD on PWC, failure to have PFD on board watercraft, angling without license, angling with extra lines, litter, and no watercraft registration.

CO Travis Muyres (Cambridge) worked AIS enforcement in Isanti County. CO Muyres assisted Itasca County SO on a suspect search. CO Muyres attended USPCA K9 Trials in Mankato

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked fishermen on area lakes. He took a number of nuisance bear complaints in the Elk River area. He followed up on four deer that escaped from their pens after a tree fell on the fence from the storms. Two deer were returned to their pen unharmed, one was dispatched by the owner, and one is at large.

District 13 — West Metro area

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) assisted with a kids fishing event in Brooklyn Park with district 13 officers. Area lake outlets were checked for proper water flowage. The water levels on all lakes is very high with docks under water. Several anglers bow fishing for carp were checked and reminded to dispose of them properly. A boat and water detail was worked on Lake Minnetonka with District 13 officers. He met with Carver County fair board members on bringing the Wall of Shame to the fair in August. A “take a kid fishing” event was set up for Lake Waconia in July.

CO Brent Grewe (Minnetonka) spent the week checking fishermen and handling nuisance animal complaints. CO Grewe attended a children’s fishing event and a bow fishing meeting. Reminder to bow fishermen to have a good plan for their fish before they head out on the lakes. Violations included angling with extra lines and wake violations.

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) did boating and AIS enforcement in Dakota County. He checked fishermen on metro lake and rivers. CO Neitzke gave presentations to a firearms safety class and a youth online firearms safety all day range and field day. He also patrolled Ft. Snelling State Park.

CO Jackie Glaser (Mound) worked Lake Minnetonka during the Operation Dry Water weekend. Numerous violations were encountered. She also participated in a media event regarding the ODW weekend on the St. Croix River. She worked on the St. Croix River for the Stillwater bridge project and helped with a kids fishing event in Brooklyn Park with other local law enforcement officers. An AIS conference call was also completed.

CO Thor Nelson (Bloomington) assisted a youth fishing clinic and gave a television interview. He received calls regarding nuisance wildlife. He spent the remainder of the week on boating and angling enforcement.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked shore fishermen and boaters on the metro area lakes and rivers. He patrolled state parks, state trails, and spoke to a youth firearms safety class in St. Paul. He also provided a ride along to a law enforcement student from Rasmussen College and returned phone calls regarding animal complaints, and participated in a firearms safety class field day.

Minnetonka — vacant.

Prior Lake — vacant.

District 14 — East Metro area

CO Brad Johnson (Ham Lake) reports that he rescued a ten week old kitten that had been injured on the road in front of him. He assisted Coon Rapids PD by transporting the kitten to the Vet Clinic. CO Johnson investigated a TIP complaint in Anoka. Enforcement action was taken for shooting squirrels out of season. He also checked boaters over the Operation Dry Water Weekend in Anoka County.

CO Scott Arntzen (Forest Lake) spent the week doing boating, fishing, and AIS enforcement. CO Arntzen and CO Pril rescued two watercraft operators who were in distress. Both jet skis became disabled and the operators, who were wearing lifejackets, were unable to get back on them due to the high winds and waves. CO Arntzen also worked Operation Dry Water on the Mississippi River with 2 Lt. Owens. Enforcement action for the week included fishing without a license, riding on the gunwales, and insufficient number of PFDs.

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) worked boating enforcement on the St. Croix & Mississippi rivers and on Forest Lake with neighboring conservation officers. He checked anglers around the metro lakes and rivers and responded to a TIP complaint and several calls during the week. CO Pril also spoke to a group of 45 Urban Roots Minnesota youth on a conservation officer’s job.

CO Adam Block (Metro WREO) spent the week focusing on boating activity during the Operation Dry Water campaign. Many boaters were out enjoying the long awaited sun, some were found seeking a little too much enjoyment. Officer Block also spent some time with media outlets discussing boating safety. Common violations that were found on the water included operate watercraft with transom, bow or gunwale rider, insufficient navigation lights and slow no wake violations. Also detected was Boating Under the Influence resulting in the seizure of a watercraft in one of the arrests.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) worked a couple shifts for the Stillwater bridge detail, is working on a shoreline case in Spring Lake Park and handled calls of weedrollers with expired permits in Ramsey County. She worked ATV and ORV enforcement in Carlos Avery WMA, is working on a wetland case in Anoka County and handled a TIP call of two individuals that kept largemouth bass on Turtle Lake. CO Kruse worked Operation Dry Water over the weekend on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers with CO McGowan, finding various violations.

CO Patrick McGowan (Hastings) patrolled the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers for activity. Numerous boats were observed on the latter half of the weekend as the weather got nicer. Enforcement action was taken for angle without a license, keep walleye in a closed area, registration issues, slow no-wake violations, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal boat exhaust.

Eagan — vacant.

Metro Officer — vacant.

District 15 — Marshall area

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) spent the majority of the week working fishing, boating, and ATV enforcement. Law compliance was good during the weekend for “Operation Dry Water”. High water levels, fast currents, and floating debris continue to be an issue on the Minnesota and other local rivers. Extreme caution should be used by fishermen and boaters if they decided to go out. A TIP call was investigated with enforcement action being taken for an over limit.

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) reports that warm, sunny conditions brought out numerous boaters and anglers. Some watercraft owners are still forgetting to remove the drain plug from their boat. Also, boat operators not having enough life jackets (PFDs) and failing to renew their boat registration continues to be a concern.

CO Neil Henriksen (Benson) reports the enforcement focus of the week was directed at fishing, boating, and off-highway vehicles. Local law enforcement was assisted with an armed barricaded suspect.

CO Craig Miska (Ortonville) worked angling and boating activity. A boating enforcement detail was worked on Big Stone Lake. Anglers are still having good success on Big Stone Lake, with nice catches of perch and walleye seen in possession.

CO Doug Lage (Marshall) reports that windy conditions kept lake activity low. Enforcement action was taken on watercraft related activities. Fishing has been good on area lakes.

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week checking anglers and working boat safety. Area lakes and sloughs are returning to normal water levels. Docks are being moved to accommodate the change. Assistance was given to the Murray County Sheriff’s Office with trespass and other concerns.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) worked with area officers on Big Stone Lake. High water levels on local rivers have kept most recreational traffic low. Several TIP complaints of over limit and angling with extra lines were investigated.

WREO Larry Hanson (Southern Region) worked WCA and Public Waters follow-up on several cases. AIS work also continues with checks on water related equipment. Several accesses on the Minnesota River were worked with enforcement action taken on a variety of issues.

Madison — vacant.

Redwood Falls — vacant.

District 16 — New Ulm area

CO Jeff Denz (Willmar) primarily worked boating enforcement and noted overall good compliance with enforcement action taken for PFD, muffler, and registration issues. He also checked anglers who were having good luck with panfish. He spoke at a Forkhorn summer camp about bow hunting laws and ethics and also to a firearms safety class in Olivia. Time was also spent on ATV and AIS violations.

CO Jen Mueller (Hutchinson) investigated a complaint of carp that were taken by bow and left at the public access. She followed up on a TIP call regarding a possible over limit of crappies in a freezer. Mueller worked with the DNR intern over the weekend and participated in Operation Dry Water. There was high compliance with boaters and PWCs in regards to boat operation and water regulations. Many Panda awards were given out over the weekend to youth wearing their PFD while in the boat. Time was also spent over the weekend enforcing AIS rules and regulations.

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) worked a boating enforcement detail this past weekend. Oberg reports very good boating law and AIS compliance this week. Oberg also spent time dealing with a few nuisance animal calls including issuing a special beaver permit.

CO Jason Beckmann (Windom) spent time on sport fishing, ATV, invasive species, and boat and water enforcement. Operation Dry Water was worked with minimal watercraft activity due to high winds for much of the weekend. Violations encountered for the week included fishing without a license, operating an ATV on a state highway, operating and ATV without safety certificate, and failure to remove drain plug during watercraft transport. Follow up was also done on a report of illegal dumping of crushed concrete into a waterway. Assistance was given to the Minnesota State Patrol when Beckmann located an intoxicated male stumbling into traffic on a four-lane state highway. The male only had 13 more miles to go to get to his residence.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) completed his radio program discussing topics including boat and water safety, Operation Dry Water and other area activity. He patrolled the county checking anglers, boaters and ATV operators. Windy weather hampered boat traffic for the first part of the weekend. Sunday’s weather was much better.

CO Eric Schettler (Fairmont) inspected watercraft and trailers at local accesses along with educating the public on AIS prevention. Boating activity was monitored and PWC activity is increasing with warmer water temperatures. Anglers were checked on area lakes.

Willmar #1 — vacant.

Litchfield — vacant.

District 17 — Mankato area

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) focused on angling and boating activity, including participation in Operation Dry Water. Assistance was given to local law enforcement with the search for a drowning victim. CO Howe also presented on laws and ethics at a Bowhunter Ed clinic, and gave out information at the public safety fair held in conjunction with the Police K9 Trials in St. Peter.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) checked fishermen, boaters, PWC, and ATV operators. Time was also spent monitoring AIS compliance. In addition, Officer Ihnen focused on BWI enforcement for the Operation Dry Water weekend.

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) patrolled the rivers in the area for activity. The officer worked Operation Dry Water. Several contacts were made. Compliance was high. Continued assistance was provided to local authorities in the search for a missing kayaker.

CO Chad Davis (Owatonna) worked angling and boat & water activity during the week. The officer also assisted with a search on the Minnesota River. A call was handled and enforcement action taken regarding people illegally camping on a state wildlife management area.

CO Luke Belgard (Albert Lea) worked boating, AIS, and angling enforcement. He participated in the Operation Dry Water campaign over the weekend. Enforcement action was taken on watercraft & fishing violations.

CO Steve Chihak (Spring Valley) worked boating enforcement and safety with neighboring officers, monitored area ATV activity, and trout angling. Enforcement action was taken for failure to have lifesaving devices (PFD) onboard.

WREO Julie Siems reports working AIS and WCA enforcement. A restoration order was issued for a WCA violation. Enforcement action was taken on failing to remove drain plug and fail to display bait registration.

Faribault — vacant.

District 18 — Rochester area

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked anglers and rec vehicles during the week. Even with the high muddy water limits and over-limits of trout were seen taken. Heyn also worked details at the new Stillwater Bridge.

CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports working angler trespass on an area trout stream. Trout anglers were reminded to stay within the easement corridor of the stream they are on. When the streams clear up the angling has been very good. Time was also spent checking ATV complaint areas and trails, as well as a few OHMs. Bow fishermen have been out and having some success.

CO Scott Fritz (LaCrescent) reports the high water has kept boat traffic minimal. He worked the Stillwater bridge project. He assisted with a work crew addressing boaters that attended the Lake City Water Ski Days. Enforcement included no boat registration and no life jackets.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports spending most of the week doing water patrol. He worked with the Winona County Sheriff’s Office on a detail in Winona and several other COs on a detail in Wabasha County. Most of the violations found were fishing and boating. The Lewiston Sportsmen’s Club also had good attendance at a Kicking Bear archery day.

CO Kevin Prodzinski (Wabasha) reports working mainly fishing and boating enforcement last week. The big river, as well as its tributaries, were all high, fast, and dirty. Fishing has been tough but some nice walleye were seen over the weekend. A boat and water safety detail was worked in conjunction with Operation Dry Water and numerous enforcement contacts were documented.

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 Tom Buker (New Ulm) flew statewide sketch mapping flights. Flights were flown looking for a missing boater on the Minnesota River. Marten research animal telemetry flights were flown in the northeast. Personnel were flown to the northwest to capture a young cow moose capture that made a home for itself in Crookston. The moose was tranquilized and moved further north, where it was released.

NR Pilot John Heineman (Bemidji) flew wolves and marten telemetry. Heineman also flew a night training flight.

CO Pilot Bob Geving flew telemetry surveys, forestry sketch mapping surveys, assisted with searching for a drowning victim, and surveillance of possible beaver damage.

NR Pilot Ettl flew 205NR for float proficiency and repositioned 905NR to Grand Rapids. 905NR will be used for sketch mapping.

Water Resource Enforcement Officers

WREO reports are now placed within district reports.

Enforcement Education

Please check the DNR WEB SITE 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 on-line for Adult Home Study or On-Line course information is also located at www.mndnr.gov.

Please check the DNR WEB SITE www.mndnr.gov for a current class listing of all DNR Enforcement Youth Snowmobile Safety Courses and instructor training sessions. Adult Snowmobile Safety Training CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.

Youth ATV Courses (12 to 15 years old) class postings for around the state are posted on the web site at www.mndnr.gov. Students are reminded that they must complete the CD portion of the course before attending the classroom portion of the course. Youth/Adult ATV Safety Training Course CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR

Reminder---anyone born after December 31st, 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 31st, 1976, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota, must possess a snowmobile Certificate. Two options are available to complete certification, 11 and older can attend the traditional youth course. Those 16 or older can take the at home CD course.

Reminder---Anyone born after July 1st, 1987, who operates an ATV on public lands and waters in Minnesota, must successfully complete the ATV Safety Training CD course. Persons under age 16 must complete the ATV CD Course and riding component before riding on public lands. Youth/Adult ATV Training CDs are available by calling 1-800-366-8917 or 1-888-MINNDNR.

SCHEDULED INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SESSIONS

If you are 18 or older and would like to become an instructor for Snowmobile Safety, ATV Safety, Firearms Safety, Trail Ambassador or one of the Advanced Hunter programs, contact your local Conservation Officer or Regional Safety Training officer. Instructor clinics are scheduled throughout the state and are listed on the DNR Website.

See Also: HtmlResAnchor http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/instructors/training.html

STAFF NOTES:

SW Metro RTO Alex Gutierrez along with CO Brent Grewe, presented a 40 year award to Volunteer Firearm Safety Instructor Dick Nordling out of Delano. RTO Gutierrez asked Dick how many kids he thought he might have certified over his 40 years, Dick replied around 2500 – 3000 kids. RTO Gutierrez received a few calls of youths registering for an Online Firearm Safety Field Day to be held in Jordan in August. The RTO also attended a training on risk management hosted by Brooklyn Park Police Department.

Northeast RTO Shelly Patten worked on prototype videos for the Safety Training Channel on YouTube.

Northwest RTO Jon Paurus worked on the completion of several lesson plans for fall officer training. Paperwork regarding new volunteer instructors was worked on along with previous background checks from other training clinics. Assistance was provided to other training officers regarding changes to the ATV program after the recent law changes. Review of the online HEFAS course was completed also.

West Central RTO Frank Rezac reports assisting with lesson plans for upcoming Officer Use of Force Training and completing Safety Training Instructor background checks. He also planned for upcoming Instructor appreciation events.

NE Metro RTO Bruce Lawrence completed background applicant’s paperwork and rosters from a Bow Hunter Ed course. RTO Lawrence received calls on Largemouth Bass restrictions for an area metro lake and panfish limits as well as a black bear destroying a bird feeder. RTO Lawrence spent time reviewing the final draft of the instructor manual for bow hunter education safety training. RTO Lawrence worked on a lesson plan with other use of force instructors for upcoming fall in-service training. RTO Lawrence is preparing fall training sessions for safety instructor training.

RTO PHONE NUMBERS/E-MAIL:

Rec. Vehicle Coordinator Leland Owens 763-753-1887 leland.owens@state.mn.us

NE RTO Shelly Patten 218-244-8051 HtmlResAnchor shelly.patten@state.mn.us

West Central RTO Frank Rezac 320-230-8549 frank.rezac@state.mn.us

NE Metro RTO Bruce Lawrence 651-674-2705 bruce.lawrence@state.mn.us

Southern RTO Dan McBroom 507-251-0041 daniel.mcbroom@state.mn.us

NW RTO Jon Paurus 218-360-0167 jon.paurus@state.mn.us

SW Metro RTO Alex Gutierrez 651-464-7773 alex.gutierrez@state.mn.us

Curriculum Specialist: Vacant

Education Specialist: Vacant

Curriculum Coordinator: Vacant