DNR Conservation Officer Reports – District 9 (Brainerd area)

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd East) patrolled the station for angling activity, snowmobile operational contacts, and verification of cross-country ski passes as required. Heavy and wet snow has occurred, causing trees to become hazards along local public use trail systems. Guida continues to work with a conservation officer candidate within the field training program. The officers made numerous contacts with anglers and have addressed numerous violations.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) continued a background investigation of a potential new employee. There?s enough snow on the trails to draw out snowmobile riders. The area snowmobile clubs had a lot of work in clearing the trails, just to have more trees block them due to the heavy snow. Use caution because many trails are still not clear. The lakes are harder to access due to slush. Trapping activity was low for the opener of the bobcat, fisher, and marten season.

CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) spent the week checking trappers, anglers and snowmobile riders. Enforcement action was taken for license issues and investigations were begun for trapping violations.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) and COC Ryan Christenson spent time checking ice anglers, ATV riders and snowmobile riders throughout the week. Snowmobile trails were in tough shape after the heavy snow, and volunteer trail crews were busy trying to get them back open. Enforcement action included trout fishing during a closed season and recreational vehicle registration violations.

Pine River vacant.