DNR Report: Bear reports and fire risk remain high - Cloquet Pine Journal | News, weather, sports from Cloquet Minnesota (original) (raw)

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports additional fires started in the BWCAW over the weekend and fire danger remains extreme. Bear problems continued.

CO Sean Cannon (Cook) observed angling success continues to be hit and miss. Unpermitted work within a waterway and wetlands were dealt with.

CO Aaron Larson (Tower) found some people having success catching walleyes. Violations were primarily related to registration and transporting fish illegally. He also assisted other agencies with forest fires.

CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) fielded multiple calls about nuisance bears. The presence of bird feeders and garbage cans still seems to be a common thread among those experiencing conflict with bears.

CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) saw a variety of recreational vehicle riders on trails throughout the busy weekend. Enforcement action was taken on a few individuals, but mostly he educated about operating rules.

CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) notes boating activity was lower than expected and anglers reported limited success. He also assisted with a youth ATV safety class, and fielded calls regarding ATV operation, working in public waters, and a lost person.

CO Sean Williams (Ely) reports nuisance-bear complaints have peaked, with many coming in nearly daily. He encourages homeowners to put away attractants like bird feeders, garbage and grills even during daylight hours.

CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) patrolled in the BWCAW and found most people weren’t having any trouble catching dinner. Enforcement action included expired canoe registration and cans in the BWCAW. Problem-bear calls continue to come in.

CO Curtis Simonson (Hill City) reports anglers had success while trail conditions remained dusty.

CO Brian Holt (Grand Rapids) patrolled ATV trails, checked aquatic invasive species compliance and received complaints over nuisance animals and fish being dumped at public accesses.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) notes anglers are having mixed success chasing walleyes and trout while smallmouth bass fishing remains outstanding. Enforcement action was taken for a multitude of angling violations.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) reports the woods and waters are busy. Enforcement action was taken on a variety of angling-related violations.

CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) notes violations encountered included illegal operation of an ATV by a youth and operating ATVs on a state highway.

CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) checked on anglers and responded to complaints, and K9 Jet showed off some of his skills at a youth event.

CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) answered questions and addressed concerns regarding the transition into the new electronic licensing system. He also received wildlife-related complaints, prepared for an upcoming court trial and finalized some work on a decorative materials case.

CO Nathan Garza (Duluth West) checked anglers and conducting boating safety enforcement. Many anglers had success on Island Lake. He reminds that beginning July 1, motorboat and personal watercraft operators 26 years and younger must possess a watercraft operator’s permit.

CO Rheanna Deal (Duluth East) saw violations involving personal watercraft operation, registration and boater education certificate requirements. She reminds boaters to clean, drain and dry their watercraft after leaving the lake.

CO Tony Elwell (Cloquet) continued to receive nuisance-animal calls. He investigated a fire and determined the homeowner was burning prohibited materials without a permit. He asks people to check the DNR website to find out what materials they are allowed to burn and if a permit is needed.

CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) monitored lakes, investigated a wetland violation and continued to work ATV complaint areas and took enforcement action for illegal operation.

CO Gabe Soriano (Hinckley) saw many people riding the trails with minimal violations. He answered questions and gave advice for several groups of beginner riders.

CO Ben Karon (Pine City) checked on anglers and boaters, and patrolled for off-trail travel and illegal dumping in state-owned lands. An award can be claimed for information that leads to catching the person responsible for dumping the large amount of trash in the Chengwatana State Forest. Officers are checking local traffic cameras in hope of finding the culprit.

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