What the DNR is Up To

I don’t envy their jobs when it’s below zero outside that’s for sure.

District 6 – Two Harbors area

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports fresh snow fell after recent freezing rain and extreme cold, making trail conditions excellent for those who want to brave -30. Angling activity was also scarce and reports of success were rare. Violations included failure to display registration and speeding.

CO Marty Stage (Ely) reminds snowmobilers to make sure their registrations decals are properly displayed. If you put it behind the windshield where it cannot be seen, enforcement action will be taken. At a minimum, you will be stopped every time an officer cannot see the decal. The lakes and trails are in much better condition than they were a couple weeks ago, but there is still a lot of slush in some areas and now there is a fair amount of drifted snow, so use caution when traveling on the lakes.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) worked with other officers for the BWCA trout opener. Trout anglers are the hardiest of people as brutal temps and winds didn’t keep many from wetting or icing up a line. Several people were encountered winter camping. The CO’s found the going pretty good in the BWCA as most lakes didn’t require snowshoes. The slush is freezing up and has disappeared on several lakes. The CO is always amazed that people remember everything needed to survive, fish, and camp in the very challenging conditions, but forget their fishing licenses and BWCA self-issue permits. One person said he didn’t even think that he needed to bring his license into the BWCA because he believed he’d never be checked on a remote lake when it was -30. He thanked the CO’s for doing their job proving him wrong.

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) worked a very cold and quiet BWCA trout fishing opener. The officer also checked snowmobile trails and sledders; slush is still a concern even on marked trails across area lakes. Cross country skiers showed much improved compliance with trail pass possession.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) worked mainly ice anglers and snowmobilers throughout the week. Trail conditions are good after the recent snow. One evening while checking anglers the officer observed an archery deer license with a site tag attached. The license contained a harvest registration number even though the site tag was not validated or removed from the license. Enforcement action was taken for tagging violations. Other enforcement action included expired snowmobile registration, snowmobile speed, careless operation, no state trail sticker, and fail to transfer ownership. Very little angling activity is taking place in the station.

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) spent time in the BWCAW with area officers checking trout anglers during the opener. The extremely cold temperatures kept the majority of the anglers at home. Snowmobile trails were monitored and equipment maintenance was completed.