Conservation Officer Reports – District 9

District 9 – Brainerd area

Last updated: 2022-08-29

CO Calie Cook (Crosslake) continued patrolling ATV traffic and anglers throughout the week. The majority of her time was spent monitoring bear-baiting activity and taking calls in regards to the bear-hunting season. Aquatic plant management complaints were also received and followed up on.

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) attended field training officer training at Camp Ripley this week. Time was also spent on ATV patrol in the foothills. Enforcement action was taken for no helmets on juveniles, registration issues and operating an ATV on a state highway.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) this week patrolled area trails and forests for bear-hunting-related activity. Baiting has begun and complaints of nuisance bears have lessened. The season starts Sept. 1. Guida fielded a call regarding a bag of dumped, partially cleaned, bluegills on the end of a driveway. The caller was disgusted by the waste. A call from a concern citizen who observed individuals cutting a large number of cattails from a property adjacent to public water was fielded. Upon a site inspection, the contractor wasn?t listed on the permit, was observed using an illegal method of cutting, and was exceeding what was originally allowed. A cease-and-desist order was issued along with an accompanying citation.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) talked with lakeshore owners about aquatic vegetation being removed illegally. He checked bear baits leading up to the bear-hunting season. Angling and wild rice harvest were monitored.

Pine River vacant.