Conservation Officer Jacob Willis (Brookston) saw heavy outdoor activity again this past week. He provided extra patrol in Jay Cooke State Park and found multiple park pass violations. Willis and Lt. Speldrich responded to a report of injured eagles. The eagles were found to be healthy and flew away. He took enforcement action for no state park pass, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no angling license, operating an unregistered ATV and operating an ATV where prohibited.
CO Scott Staples (Carlton) continues to assist with training new working dogs. He received complaints of dogs chasing deer and people feeding deer. He conducted equipment maintenance in preparation for the change in season.
CO Jeff Humphrey (Cromwell) worked fire and OHV enforcement throughout the week. Humphrey patrolled the Fond du Lac State Forest during spring road and trail closures. Humphrey also spent time working in area state parks and wildlife management areas. A TIP complaint was worked regarding unlawful ATV use. He received several questions about the upcoming turkey season.
CO Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) patrolled state parks and state forests. Very high numbers of ATV and OHM operators were out in General Andrews State Forest. Parking lots were full. She issued several warnings for operating without headlights and failing to display registration. A reminder that registration renewals can be purchased on the DNR website. Several citations were issued to ATV operators who were operating in the Nemadji State Forest, which is closed due to trail conditions. Speldrich also checked anglers at area rivers and took complaints of nuisance beavers and foxes.
CO Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) worked shore anglers and Lake Superior much of the past week. Water temperatures are starting to rise and fishing is improving. Windy conditions hampered some ability to get out on the lake. Ice conditions are deteriorating rapidly on inland lakes and shorelines are impassable on many landings. He handled nuisance-animal complaints and reports that ATV complaints continue.
