Conservation Office Reports for DNR
District 9 – Brainerd area
Last updated: 2022-07-11
CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) spent time on boating and ATV enforcement. Numerous nuisance-wildlife calls were handled. Enforcement action was taken for fishing without a license, as well as PFD and registration issues.
CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time monitoring activity throughout the recreation area. The mine pits were busy with anglers and recreational use throughout the week. Enforcement action included park pass violations, registration and insufficient life jackets. Paddle boarders are reminded they are required to have a life jacket at least with them while paddle boarding.
CO Calie Kunst (Crosslake) spent time patrolling the lakes and ATV trails in the area. Violations found included failure to have an angling license in personal possession, failure to display registration and taking fish without a license. Kunst also received various aquatic plant management complaints and followed up on them.
CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled the station this week. Litter complaints have been received and are being investigated. Guida testified in court on a deer-hunting case. He also fielded aquatic plant vegetation removal permit violations.
Pine River vacant.
District 10 – Mille Lacs area
Last updated: 2022-07-11
CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked lake activity where water recreation is more prominent than angling. ATV traffic was monitored and assistance was provided at the Aitkin Fair booth.
CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) worked angling and ATV activity. Time was also spent following up on littering and angler-harassment complaints. Enforcement action was taken on various violations.
CO Dan Starr (Onamia) worked fishing and boating activities, along with nuisance-animal calls. Public outreach efforts included an Aitkin County Fair DNR booth and assisting the St. Cloud Police Department with a youth fishing event. Numerous car vs. animal incidents are taking place.
CO Mikeena Mattson (Wealthwood) worked ATV and sport fishing enforcement over the week. Time was spent at the Aitkin County Fair. Questions were answered regarding various topics. Bear-related complaints are a common theme this time of year. Putting away common attractants such as garbage and bird feeders is best practice if nuisance bears are in the area.
Aitkin vacant.