Conservation Report – District 5

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports spending the week working Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. ATV activity was monitored throughout the area and nuisance-animal calls were handled. AIS work was conducted throughout the week at area landings and highways. Enforcement action was taken for angling without licenses, allowing illegal operation of juveniles riding ATVs and for failing to remove drain plugs while transporting boats.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) monitored angling, boating, and ATV activities. Anglers have been reporting more favorable outcomes, although persistent threats of rainstorms have kept many close to their places of lodging. Cooler nights already have people thinking of upcoming seasons, with bear hunters starting to scout and ready hunting areas. Animal-related complaints were addressed. A discussion was had with one individual about how the act of feeding wild animals, such as birds and deer, can lead to the presence of predatory animals in areas they traditionally would not be accustomed to occupying on a regular basis.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring angling and boating over the week. Area forest roads were checked and public access sites monitored. Equipment work and administrative tasks were completed.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time working on a background for the upcoming conservation officer hiring process. He also spent time working a detail in the Duluth area. Various watercraft registration and boating safety violations were encountered throughout the shift. Zavodnik also spoke to approximately 20 students attending the ATV safety field day at the Gilbert OHV Park.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV and boating/angling activity. Time was also spent speaking at an ATV safety class in Gilbert and assisting local law enforcement agencies on a variety of calls. Calls and questions were fielded regarding fishing regulations, nuisance animals, and various permits.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and ATV enforcement. Larson assisted other agencies with various calls and took a complaint in Lake Vermilion State Park regarding litter/abandoned property.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and ATV activity. Anglers reported limited success this week. Cooler July weather appeared to limit recreational boating activity. Broughten also spent time checking compliance with AIS laws.

Cook vacant.