Conservation Officer Report – District 5, 3-1-22

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring snowmobile and angling activities. Fishing remains poor. There?s deep snow, slush, and significant drifting on area lakes. People with fish houses on area lakes should start coming up with a plan for removal. Area forest roads were checked and timber sale sites were monitored.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) investigated snowmobile registration/ ownership violations. He also spent time on a work detail throughout the week.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked snowmobile enforcement and angling activity. In addition, time was spent speaking with the Northern Traxx ATV Club prior to one of their annual rides and assisting local law enforcement agencies. The majority of violations encountered revolved around snowmobile speed and registration.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) saw the highest amount of snowmobile activity throughout the region during the weekend. As a whole, the majority of snowmobilers were operating responsibly, which was nice to see. Zavodnik wants to remind operators that modified exhaust, which creates excessive noise, is not tolerated. Grant-in-aid trail systems are a privilege for riders to use during the snowmobile season and can be taken away if off-trail riding or excessive noise become an issue.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and snowmobile activity. Few anglers were found on area lakes. Snowmobile activity remained high this week. Snowmobile trails are in good condition but with the high traffic trails are going to need new snow. Broughten also fielded calls regarding licenses, fish house deadlines, and snowmobile operation.

Cook vacant.