Conservation Officer Weekly Report-District 5

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports another winter storm has brought most outdoor activities to a halt. The sturgeon ?keep? season on the Rainy River has started, so people are reminded to follow all the special rules that apply when harvesting a sturgeon. Equipment maintenance and training were completed.

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working the Rainy River this past week checking sturgeon anglers. Fishing reports were slow. The water levels remain high and the water is dirty, but most of the debris has cleared. Forest roads and trapping activity was monitored as well.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports another storm has dropped significant snow and snowmobiles have reappeared. Spring road closures were monitored. Below-freezing temperatures have refrozen small waterways. Trapping activities were checked, as were angling activities. Area lakes remain ice-covered.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily spring trapping and angling enforcement. The snow and cold caused activity to be minimal throughout the week. Larson spent time checking for beaver activity and traps in the rivers. Water levels and flooding appear to be receding. Larson also spent time working on boat maintenance in preparation for the fishing opener. He also assisted other agencies during the whiteout conditions on Thursday.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time answering various ATV-related calls over the week. He also spoke about laws and ethics at a firearms safety class consisting of approximately 20 students. Zavodnik was lucky enough to present a 40-year instructor award to one instructor as well. Equipment maintenance and administrative tasks were completed throughout the week.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, trapping and ATV activity. Recent cooler weather and snow delayed spring activity. Lake ice is slowly deteriorating. Broughten fielded calls regarding litter, nuisance animals, and recreational vehicle registration.

Cook vacant.