District 9 Conservation Officer Reports

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled lakes for angling activity. Numerous anglers were checked and the panfish bite was improving. Guida observed some all-terrain vehicle activity on closed trails. He met with Camp Ripley training staff in planning for upcoming in-service training.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) saw the end of the snowmobile season, barring any large snowstorms. The warm weather brought out many anglers on the lakes chasing panfish.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) spent time checking ice anglers for late-ice panfish activity. Snow has melted rapidly throughout the area and ice conditions are deteriorating as well, so be sure to check the ice conditions before venturing out. Bike trails are currently closed throughout the SRA.

CO Amber Ladd (Aitkin) spent the week patrolling area lakes for angling activity. She picked up extensive amounts of litter from area lakes while patrolling. One group of anglers made a lap around a small area lake picking up trash just prior to Ladd?s arrival. They had collected a large amount of trash, which is something they do every year to help keep the lakes clean. They hope many others do the same.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) reports checking anglers on local lakes. Enforcement action was taken for fishing after revocation, no angling licenses, and burning prohibited materials. State parks and campgrounds were also patrolled.

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) worked fishing, snowmobile, ATV and trapping activities this week. Assistance was also provided for the St. Patrick?s Day Parade in Crosslake. Enforcement action was taken for angling without a license, registration issues, too many occupants on an ATV, no helmets on juveniles, and shelters left out after the deadline.

CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) reports anglers in the area continue to target crappies, sunfish and eelpout. Area lakes have very little snow left but are wet and slushy. Sullivan also addressed shoreline alterations and shelters that were left on lakes past the shelter removal deadline date.