Conservation Officer Report – District 5

CO Curtis Simonson (Int?l Falls #2) reports spending the past week attending training at Camp Ripley and working the Rainy River. This past weekend had many people out on the Rainy River. Simonson would like to remind people to check boat registration before hitting the water for the first time this open water season and make sure you have the proper number of PFDs and a Type IV throwable onboard your watercraft.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports fishing activity has turned to the Rainy River with large numbers of people arriving in the area to get some of the first open-water opportunities. Slatinski heard several reports of dogs running loose in the area. He also attended annual training at Camp Ripley.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area lakes, public access sites and local forest roads. Fishing activity remains minimal with little activity observed. Equipment work is ongoing. Significant snow remains in the woods and sheltered areas. ATV use has been on roadways or lakes given the snow depth in the woods.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) had training throughout the week at Camp Ripley. He also spent time patrolling his station for snowmobile and angling activity.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV enforcement and angling activity. Time was also spent attending training and organizing upcoming spring and summer events. Little activity was observed throughout the week as we transition from cold to warmer weather. Anglers continued to report a slow panfish bite on local lakes.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and ATV activity. Anglers reported moderate success this week. Ice is deteriorating slowly as temperatures remain low. ATV riders are reminded it is their responsibility to check trail status before operating on them. Broughten also fielded calls regarding trespass, ATVs on snowmobile trails, and goose hunting.

Cook vacant.