Weekly Conservation Officer Report – District 5

CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports spending time this past week working at the Port of Entry in International Falls, patrolling area forest roads for ATV activity, working AIS enforcement and checking anglers on area lakes and rivers. Enforcement action taken this past week consisted of walleye/northern pike overlimits, transporting fish without skin patches, and failing to remove drain plugs.

CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) spent time patrolling multiple days in remote areas of the BWCAW. Activity for this time of the year seems to be down, likely due to a multitude of factors. He followed up on campground and garbage-dumping complaints. He also checked on a watercraft that was found to be on the wrong side of a navigational buoy and ended up on a rock. All parties were found to be safe and the vessel was still operable.

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring angling and boating activities. High heat and prolonged wind reduced fishing activities over the week. Bears have emerged and have started causing problems. Beaver-related problems have remained constant. Equipment work was completed. Other time was spent returning phone calls on a number of topics.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily ATV, angling, and AIS enforcement. Larson also spent time fielding several shoreline-violation complaints.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked ATV/OHM enforcement and angling/boating activity. Time was also spent following up on calls and maintaining station equipment. Violations encountered included operating an ATV on a highway and various ATV/watercraft registration violations.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing, boating, and ATV activity. Anglers continued to report moderate success. ATV activity remained high. Broughten also fielded calls regarding nuisance animals and license questions.

Cook vacant.