District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) spent the week on ATV and bear-baiting activity. Complaints were fielded about nuisance animals and low water levels. Fire danger remains extremely high, even after some rain. A total burning ban is still in effect for this area. Enforcement action was taken for expired registration, operating on the roadway and OHMs operating in ditches.

CO Amber Ladd (Aitkin) worked area bear-baiting activity and continued work on shoreline violations. One bear bait that was located had prohibited materials and no sign. No bear baits had been registered in the area. So far, it doesn?t appear there?s been a bear at the bait, either, but perhaps when the season opens Sept. 1 there will be a bear, and perhaps a hunter.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) worked with a landowner dealing with a nuisance bear damaging a chicken coop and killing chickens.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) continued monitoring bear-hunting activity. Some wild rice harvesters were checked. They were having mild success. Wetland and shoreline violations were investigated on local lakes.