July 3, 2009

District 1 - Baudette area

CO Ben Huener (Roseau) patrolled parts of Marshall, Kittson, and Roseau Counties for ATV enforcement.  Anglers were checked at Roseau River and Lake Bronson.  Officer Huener investigated several dead Canada Geese with area Manager Randy Prachar.

CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) enforcement activity this past week included working on issues with new boathouse, handled animal nuisance complaints, met with local PD on new ATV ordinances, and checked anglers on Lake of the Woods. High winds and rain kept most anglers off the lake over the weekend. Weekday anglers did well in all depths with most fish running on the smaller side

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) continued follow-up on several deer shot in the Warroad area. Officers Birchem and Woinarowicz conducted an investigation of several anglers in the Lake of the Woods area.  Gross over limit charges are pending for two individuals.  Officer Birchem also spent time on ATV enforcement in the Lake of the Woods and local state forest areas.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) performed evening boat and water safety checks on the Red Lake River resulting in the arrest of one boater for Boating While Intoxicated.  Other enforcement action included angle with extra line, angle without license, and boat registration violations.  Officer Woinarowicz worked with CO Birchem on a Lake of the Woods detail this past weekend.  He worked a TIP complaint and investigation resulting in an over limit violation with charges for gross over limit pending for two individuals.

CO Angie Warren (Thief River Falls #2) checked anglers and boaters on the Red Lake River.  Other enforcement activity included patrolling ATV complaint areas, investigating a grey wolf depredation of a calf; follow up on an individual burning illegal materials, and area WMA's were checked for activity.

CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) checked area special regulation lakes for angling activity and monitored public accesses for invasive species compliance.  Nuisance bear and fox complaints were received.

CO Brice Vollbrecht (Blackduck) worked angling and boating enforcement on Red Lake.  The walleye bite slowed some during the week with high winds and rain making it tough for anglers to get on the lake.  Officer Vollbrecht attended a Beltrami Co. TAC meeting and discussed new wetland violations found in the county.  He also attended a wetlands identification class in Warroad and invasive aquatic plant training at Itasca State Park.  A complaint of people throwing litter into Red Lake was investigated.  Officer Vollbrecht also talked to a concerned farmer about wolves in the area.  Violations encountered during the week include ATV passenger under 18 without a helmet, navigation lights after sunset, PFD violations, and no fire extinguisher.  

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette #2) continued to work fishermen, ATV's, and invasive species throughout the week.  Time was spent educating teens and adults on ATV regulations.  A complaint of a sick moose near Waskish was taken, and a nuisance beaver problem was also handled.  Fishing continues to be good on Lake of the Woods and Red Lake despite the warmer water temperature.  Enforcement action taken this week includes fishing, boating, and ATV violations. 

Karlstad - vacant.

Warroad #2 - vacant.

District 2 - Bemidji area

CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) reports good success by pan fish anglers.  Questions about new laws or law changes have increased.  A nuisance bear complaint was referred to the Wildlife Division.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) served a Restoration Order for an illegal wetland alteration.  The theft of leech traps was investigated.  Nuisance animal complaints involving geese, beaver, and wolves were received.  Despite high winds, some anglers and boaters were on the lakes. 

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) checked boaters and anglers.  Bear complaints involving bird feeders and chicken coops were received.

CO Mike Hruza (Bemidji 1) spoke to a Firearm Safety Class about laws, safety, and ethics.  A TIP call involving fish was investigated.  Anglers, boaters, and ATVs were checked.  Attempts were made to locate a person selling fish in the Bemidji area.  Permits to take nuisance beaver were issued.

CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji 2) checked boaters and anglers.  ATV complaint areas and state forests were patrolled for activity.  Complaints of nuisance beaver and bear were received.  People are reminded to put bird feeders and garbage inside at night to reduce the temptation to hungry bear.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports an increase in recreational boating activity.  Law compliance has been very good.  A shortage of wearable PFDs or no throwable PFD was the most common violation.  The officer, along with CO Oldakowski, stopped a vehicle traveling at a very high rate of speed.  Once stopped the driver claimed a driver’s license was not necessary under the US Constitution.  The officers contacted the Ottertail County Sheriff’s Department and deputies arrested the driver for DWI and a cancelled driver’s license.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) assisted North Dakota Game & Fish Wardens with license fraud cases.  A complaint of a landowner shooting Canada geese without the proper permit was investigated.  Angling and boating on area lakes has increased.  The Red and Buffalo River water levels are very high.  The officer spoke to a Youth Firearm Safety Class regarding laws, safety, and shooting ethics.  Several calls about injured or abandon wildlife babies were received.  

CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) investigated wetland alteration, shoreline alteration, and aquatic plant removal complaints.  ATVs, anglers, and boaters were checked.  Nuisance animal information was disseminated or directed to the proper authorities.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) checked anglers and boaters.  ATVs were checked in a cooperative enforcement detail with the Becker County SO.  Itasca State Park was patrolled.  A complaint of a dead deer floating in Shell Lake was investigated.

CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) investigated complaints of illegal goose shooting, minnow dealer trespass, and parties on public accesses.  Anglers and boaters were checked.

District 3 - Fergus Falls area

CO Troy Richards (Fergus Falls) checked boating and angler activity and monitored angling success on area lakes.  Officer Richards took calls on potential wetland violations and answered questions in regards to an upcoming ATV safety class in Fergus Falls.  Enforcement efforts were directed towards angling violations.

CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) received a call from a lakeshore owner who thought she saw a cougar.  The caller wanted the officer to remove the animal from the area.  Officer Plautz also handled calls regarding stray dogs, dogs running wild, beaver problems, and public access issues.

CO Paul Nelson (Elbow Lake) reported enforcement efforts this past week concentrated on checking fishermen and boating activity.  Officer Nelson also received complaints of beaver damage, turtles purposely being run over, and crop depredation by geese. Other activity included meeting with regional training staff to go over the new firearms safety program.

CO Shane Osborn (Evansville) received complaints of individuals destroying aquatic vegetation, illegal boat operation, over limits of pan fish, and altering lakeshore.  Officer Osborne investigated the complaints and completed end of the month paper work.

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) worked fishing, boating, invasive species, and ATV enforcement throughout the week. Additional time was spent investigating possible aquatic vegetation and wetland complaints and taking calls from the public regarding goose depredation and nuisance/orphaned animals.  Officers Johanson and Bertram, along with other emergency personnel, responded to a call of an abandoned boat with possible missing persons on Lake Osakis. The boat's motor had started on fire and the occupants had put on life jackets and jumped in the water. A passing boat assisted in extinguishing the fire, picked up the boat's occupants and brought them to safety with no injuries reported.

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Wheaton) reported enforcement efforts for the week included checking fishermen, boaters, ATV operators, and minnow dealers.  CO Baumbarger attended a border water fisheries meeting and assisted the local Sheriff's department.  Enforcement action was taken for fishing without a license.

CO Tony Anderson (Morris) reported high winds reduced boater numbers out this weekend and found fish bite slow on area lakes.  CO Anderson assisted CO Kurt Nelson (Glenwood) with checking anglers and boaters in the Alexandria area.  CO Anderson also checked complaint areas of illegal ATV and Off Road Motorcycle operation. CO Anderson fielded calls this week about exotic species, public access complaints and wildlife questions.

CO Kurt Nelson (Glenwood) spent the week patrolling area lakes checking area boaters and anglers.  Compliance overall has been good.  Officer Nelson also answered calls on problem beaver, game farms, and on a young hawk that was rescued and put back into the nest after it apparently fell or was kicked out.

District 4 - Wadena area

CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) handled several calls this week regarding beavers, eagles and bears.  Officer Parthun monitored ATV activity and conducted some invasive species work.  He also monitored boating and angling activity and provided assistance to State Park staff. 

CO Greg Oldakowski (Wadena) and CO Chris Vinton were on routine patrol when a car went by them in excess of 90 MPH in a 55 MPH zone.  The officers were eventually able to stop the vehicle and, after a debate with the driver on constitutional law, he was arrested for excessive speed, driving while cancelled-inimical to public safety, and driving under the influence.

CO Gary Sommers’ (Walker) primary enforcement efforts this past week focused on sport fishing and boating activity.  In spite of the arrival of the fourth of July week, the rain and high winds over the weekend kept people off the lakes as there was limited activity.  Officer Sommers also received a call regarding nuisance beaver activity.  He provided suggestions to the property owner on dealing with the issue. 
                                            
CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) primarily checked anglers and boaters during the past week.  Officer Mathy also distributed information regarding the invasive faucet snail to resorts on Lake Winnibigoshish and followed up on garbage burning complaints.  Enforcement action was taken for illegal length walleye and boating equipment violations.

CO Larry Francis (Remer) received calls regarding road-kill deer and beaver issues.  He also provided assistance to a neighboring county sheriff’s department with a bank robbery investigation.

CO Duke Broughten (Longville) spent this week monitoring boating and angling activity.  Anglers in the area reported some success but poor weather conditions limited the activity on the water.  CO Broughten investigated several ATV complaints and checked areas for illegal removal of aquatic vegetation.  CO Broughten also provided an individual with an educational ride-along opportunity.  Enforcement action was taken on: operating a Class 1 ATV on the roadway, no angling license in possession, and no navigation lights after sunset.

District 5 - Eveleth area

CO Lloyd Steen  (Ray/Kabetogama) patrolled area lakes checking fishermen. Boating safety violations continue to dominate most of the activity with fishing remaining fair to slow.

C0 Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring angling and boating activities on area lakes.  Work on station equipment continues.  Phone calls were returned on a variety of outdoor questions. Administrative reports were completed.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports not much fishing activity due the extreme weather changes we have been having.  Lots of deer are being hit on the area roadways.  The number of grouse appears to be up some.

CO Dan Starr (Tower) continued to monitor slot fish violations and take action on them.     A recent may fly hatch has slowed fishing, however fishing pressure remains very high.    Officer Starr worked on a Sturgeon registration violation from earlier this spring, which enforcement action is pending.    One individual was cited for not transferring ownership of two personal watercrafts.  They were still in the sellers name after five years.  Assistance was given to local fire departments with a fire caused by downed electric lines.    CO Starr also worked a joint boat and water patrol with the St. Louis County Sheriff's Department.    Enforcement action was taken for registration, PWC after hours, no lights on boat, and PFD violations.  Kids wearing PFDs is still at 100% compliance.  CO Starr rehabilitated and released a young goose to a couple of adopting big geese and also released two great horned owls that were taken to rehab early this summer and now brought back to the nesting site.   

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) continued to work on wetland violations from aerial detection flights.  Anglers, boaters, ATV's and OHM's were worked and calls of an injured eagle and a common loon tangled in fishing line were handled.  Enforcement action was taken on take over limit of fish, no life saving devices on watercraft, no angling license in possession, no state park permit, and a number of ATV and OHM violations.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) checked anglers and boaters on area lakes and rivers.  Most anglers report a slow bite.  CO Frericks spoke at an Advanced Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education class at the Laurentian Environmental Learning Center.  Over 50 students attended the classes.

I. Falls # 2 - vacant.

District 6 - Two Harbors area

CO Stage (Ely) worked boats and fishermen in and out of the BWCA.  There was lots of traffic with the usual violations and a lot of night boat usage with no lights or just partial lights.  It seems a fair number of boaters are unaware that lights are required at sunset, not as soon as you can't see any more.  Check and fix those boat lights.

CO Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) seized numerous untagged minnow traps from a popular area pond.  A reminder to people who trap minnows for their own use, traps must be tagged with your name and address, driver license number or DNR number so they are identifiable.  Angling pressure has been low over the past week when weather turned windy, rainy and cool.  Officer Thomasen assisted State Patrol and Lake County Sheriff's Department with several calls this past week.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports that the fishing for all species has been very good so far this season.  The designated lakes are giving up some nice splake and rainbows.  The officer and his daughter were chased by a mother grouse when they were out for an evening walk.  Seems they got a little too close to the chicks in the tall grass.  She had her feathers puffed out, her beak open, fire in her eyes, and she was hissing like a king cobra.  The officer wasn't waiting around and they took off running.  The grouse was fiercer than the mother bear with cubs that the conservation officer ran into earlier in the week. 

CO Mary Manning (Hovland) checked anglers and boaters in the Arrowhead region.  Officer Manning also checked anglers returning from Canada at US Customs.  Anglers are reminded that fish must be packaged so that they may be identified and counted.  Officer Manning attended training for the upcoming motorcycle run next month.  Officer Manning also took calls about nuisance bears and harassment of anglers by a lakeside cabin owner.   

Babbitt - vacant.

Silver Bay - vacant.

District 7 - Grand Rapids area

Conservation Officer Jon Paurus (Hill City) assisted with a boating safety class in Grand Rapids.  Fishing activity on area lakes was also checked.  A TIP call was received and a call of septic discharge into a lake was investigated.

Conservation Officer Gary LeFebvre (Pengilly) focused on angling, watercraft, ATV's, state parks and campgrounds.  He also worked on waters complaints and assisted with a boating class during the week.
 
Conservation Officer Jeff Koehn (Grand Rapids – OHV Specialist) presented an OHV Law Update training class to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.  CO Koehn participated in a regional OHV activity meeting between several DNR divisions in the Tower area.  He also patrolled the Peter Mitchell Days festival in Babbitt.  Enforcement activity for the week was variable and dependent on the unpredictable June weather.

Conservation Officer Randy Patten (Northome) investigated a litter complaint, checked boaters and anglers, patrolled for ATV activity, participated in a boat and water safety class, and checked a call on illegal work in public waters.

Conservation Officer Mike Fairbanks (Deer River) taught a boating safety class, assisted the State Patrol with two traffic accidents, and assisted with a victim recovery on Pokegama Lake. The area pan fish bite has increased while the walleye action has dropped.  Enforcement action was taken for possess illegal length walleye, watercraft safety violations, and operate PWC at greater than no wake within 150' from another watercraft.

Bigfork - vacant.

District 8 - Cloquet area

 CO Scott Staples (Carlton) checked several anglers and boaters over the past week and found good compliance with the law.  Meetings and training were attended for an upcoming event in Carlton County.  A complaint of a dock that is too large is being investigated on an area lake.  Two people who were reported lost in the Nemadji Forest were found this past week.  They stated that their vehicle broke down and were walking for three hours.  Further questioning found that they got their vehicle stuck.  They are currently under investigation for operating in a prohibited area. 

CO Andy Schmidt (Brookston) spent much of the week following up on wetland issues.  The officer retrieved an injured loon and transported the animal for rehabilitation.  Anglers in the area are reporting a slow bite with little success.  The officer spent time preparing for and attended court for a DWI involving an ATV.  Officer Schmidt also followed up on a TIP complaint regarding an over limit of fish.

CO Jeff Humphrey (Cloquet) worked angling, boating, and OHV enforcement throughout the week.  Complaints of nuisance animals continue.  Enforcement action was taken on various angling, boating equipment, and ATV/OHM violations.   

Marine Unit

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit) checked anglers and boaters on Lake Superior and the St Louis River.  A neighboring officer was given assistance with locating an illegally-possessed fawn.  Enforcement action was taken for various boating and angling violations.

CO Keith Olson (Marine Unit) worked operation Dry Water with the USCG. The operation was focused on BWI enforcement on Lake Superior and the Duluth Harbor. Time was also spent checking anglers on Lake Superior.  Fawn deer calls continue to be fielded.  Leave the little critters where you find them.

CO Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) spent some time patrolling for OHV/ATV violations in St. Louis and Carlton Counties.  The officer learned it can be an unpleasant experience when a stinging insect flies down your shirt while riding an ATV.  Time was spent checking anglers and boaters on Lake Superior and the St. Louis River.  Four people were located in a canoe without any PFD's.  A joint patrol with the Coast Guard was done.  Assistance was provided to a boater having complications from diabetes.   Training was attended and a report was turned into the county attorney’s office.  A couple suspicious fires were investigated.  Enforcement action was taken for undersize smallmouth bass, angling without license in possession, no PFD's, burning prohibited materials, DAR, and stop sign violation.

District 9 - Brainerd area

Conservation Officer Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) held a Boat and Water Safety Class at Breezy Point with 23 students taking both written test and operator's test in nearby Pelican Lake.  Officer Shoutz also assisted Crow Wing County with teaching a Boat and Water class at the Crosslake Community Center this week.  Two different bear complaints were handled with bird feeders being destroyed.  Two other complaints of injured/dead livestock were handled - one that included a scratched horse and the other with two dead calves discovered by the landowner.  The calves had injuries consistent with a cougar attack.  Watercraft and fishing enforcement continue to take up lots of time with many licenses being checked and safety issues handled.

Conservation Officer Cary Shoutz (Crosslake) followed up on a fish complaint regarding license issues and took enforcement action on some illegal ATV operation.  He issued a permit for a road kill bobcat and took several nuisance animal complaints.  Officer Shoutz also followed up on a fishing harassment complaint over use of public water.

Conservation Officer Jim Guida (Brainerd) observed four off-highway motorcycles illegally operating in the road right of way.  Enforcement action was taken.  Officer Guida also had an opportunity to attend an All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Training Class in Fort Ripley.  Numerous youngsters were anxious to get certified and get behind the wheel.  Time was also spent documenting a harassment complaint on the Paul Bunyan Trail.

Conservation Officer Tim Collette (Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area) worked boat and water enforcement and monitored the recreational area and state forest campgrounds this week.  The officer also assisted the FAA with an inspection of a crashed ultra-light aircraft. Enforcement activity included angling without a valid license, no trout stamps, expired ATV registrations, passengers under 18 on ATVs without helmets, minor consumption, cutting live trees in a state recreation area, no state park sticker in a state park campground, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Conservation Officer Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) checked on aquatic plant and wetland issues along with watercraft, angling and ATV enforcement. 

Conservation Officer Brent Speldrich (McGregor) worked the local ATV trails during the week.  He and other officers worked the Soo-Line and associated trails from Moose Lake to Denham and back to Lawler during a planned ATV ride.  He also worked an invasive species detail on Mille Lacs Lake.  During the detail, one boater was found to be transporting aquatic macrophytes on the rear of his watercraft. The owner was contacted prior to his entering the lake with the weeds and the driver was given a citation for transportation of aquatic macrophytes.  While working the access, Officers Speldrich and Heaton came across an intoxicated boater that was coming off the lake.  The boater was arrested for DWI and processed.  Several contacts for illegal aquatic weed removal were made.  He attended court in Carlton County on a previous DWI case.  The defendant pled guilty at the hearing.  While patrolling the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Officer Speldrich observed a cougar crossing the roadway.

Conservation Officer Chad Sherack (Pequot Lakes) checked anglers, boaters, and OHV users this past week.  Officer Sherack also took reports of trespass and illegal taking of fish on Gull Lake.  Officer Sherack also followed up on two injured animal complaints. 

District 10 - Mille Lacs area

CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) helped put on a banquet in honor of DNR volunteer safety instructors.  A few awards were issued that included an award to a local gentleman that has been teaching Firearm Safety to area hunters for the last 50 years.  Nuisance animal complaints were handled, ATV violations were dealt with, and time was spent on the water checking boaters and anglers.

CO Luke Croatt (Wealthwood) checked fishermen on Mille Lacs Lake.  Walleye fishing has remained steady with some limits seen.  He also attended court on cases encountered from last fall.  Work details continue around Mille Lacs Lake for Invasive Species.  Several officers participated during the weekend monitoring landings for compliance.  Several contacts were made for leaving infested waters and failing to drain live wells/boats along with transporting vegetation.    

CO Scott E. Fitzgerald (Malmo) saw quite a few walleye still being caught on Mille Lacs Lake.  Several other area lakes were also patrolled and the officer found more boating activity with the warmer weather.  He also assisted the CO Lee ( Isle) in patrolling the Snake River for fishermen.  CO Fitzgerald monitored OHM and ATV activity throughout the week and met with DNR Fisheries personnel. During the weekend he assisted in a work crew around Mille Lacs Lake that focused on invasive species.  Remember you MUST drain your live wells and bait wells and pull the plug out of your boat before leaving the access of an infested water.  Enforcement action for the week included: no Type 4 throwable, fishing with one extra line, operate OHM in road right of way, operate ATV in road right of way, fail to display OHM registration, operate ATV in a road right of way without a valid license, transport aquatic macrophytes, fail to drain water from boat, and no fishing license in possession. 

CO Dustie Heaton (Willow River) attended drowning recovery training.  A picnic banquet was held at Robinson Park to thank area DNR volunteer safety instructors.  She responded to a call of a truck stuck in a wetland in the Nemadji.  The incident is under investigation.  CO's Speldrich, Staples and Heaton worked an ATV raffle run.  Enforcement action was taken for an equipment violation.  Very few other violations were detected.  Officers Heaton and Speldrich assisted Mille Lacs Lake Officers with an Invasive Species work detail.  Enforcement action was taken for failing to drain live wells, transporting aquatic macrophytes and no angling license in possession.  They also arrested an individual for Boating While Intoxicated.

CO Dan Perron (Onamia) took calls about bears tearing down bird feeders and orphaned fawns.  He checked anglers on Mille Lacs and found the day bite has slowed down.  He worked invasive species and found most people pulling live well and bilge plugs.  He did have one boat that didn't drain live well or the bilges and when the plugs were pulled gallons of water came out of both.  CO Perron was called out to some stranded boaters on Shakopee Lake.  There were five people, (two young kids) out in a small boat when the motor broke in the middle of the lake with 30 mph winds.  They lost an oar and then threw out the anchor and waited over 1 1/2 hrs before CO Perron was able to get to them.  All were cold but ok.

CO Mike Lee (Isle) checked anglers this past week with good success being reported on Mille Lacs Lake for walleye, and some very nice small mouth bass being caught.  Officer Lee assisted with the invasive species detail completed on Mille Lacs Lake this past weekend.  Compliance was pretty good overall, but everyone is reminded that when fishing on Mille Lacs Lake all water and plugs must be removed from their boats.  Enforcement action was taken for illegal length small mouth bass, fail to drain live well, transport aquatic macrophytes, and insufficient PFD's.

CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) spent a majority of the week preparing for a boat and water class that was given to the Pine County Sheriff's Department.  He and other Pine County CO's put on an appreciation cookout for local safety instructors in Sandstone.  CO Wynn and CO Grundmeier worked a boat and water detail during the fireworks for Pine City Freedom Fest.  Enforcement contacts included lighting issues after sunset and ATV operation on roadways.

District 11 - Albany area

CO Robert Haberman (Little Falls) received a TIP call this week involving a possible over limit of sunfish. A Little Falls man was found to have 36 sunfish over his limit in his freezer. Law Enforcement action was taken. CO Haberman also checked boaters for safety equipment on local lakes and patrolled local ATV trails.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) investigated the escape of several elk from an area game farm. Two elk are still unaccounted for and continue to roam the area. The incident has been referred to Board of Animal Health. CO Kuske patrolled lakes and rivers for boaters and fishermen and handled several nuisance animal complaints and patrolled area ATV trails.

CO Keith Bertram (Sauk Centre) spent the week checking boaters and anglers.  Citations were issued for no angling license, no boat registration, and extra lines.  CO Bertram also attended training in St. Paul.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked with neighboring officers on area lakes.  The officer also looked into suspected wetland violations.  Training was attended for Emerald Ash Borer.  Enforcement action was taken this week for transporting aquatic vegetation, no life jacket, and other common violations.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked on wetland cases, checked anglers, and fielded questions from the public on various topics.  Enforcement action for the week included issue restoration order, no Type IV PFD, no wearable PFD, no license in possession, and no fire extinguisher. 

CO Mike Martin (St. Cloud) approached two anglers in a boat. When the anglers saw Officer Martin, they started the motor to go to the other side of the lake.  They had a problem getting there, as they had left their anchor down and it was entangled in weeds. Officer Martin approached, spoke with the operator, and after some tests, found that he was intoxicated. The operator gave a breath sample on the Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) of .16 BAC. The legal intoxication level to operate any motorized vehicle in MN is .08 BAC. The operator was concerned about what would happen with his criminal record as he's going to school to be an airline pilot.  Enforcement action included: operate PWC between one hour before sunset to 9:00 am; operate PWC within 150 feet of swimmers or shore; minor possessed or consumed alcohol; angle without license; angle with extra line; careless operation of watercraft; operation of watercraft without navigation lights; operate watercraft with juvenile under 10 without life vest; and ride on gunwale while watercraft is underway

CO Rhonda Keniston (Long Prairie) attended mandatory Emerald Ash Borer training.  Watercraft and angling activity was monitored.  Investigations continued on waters and WCA violations.  CO Keniston handled nuisance beaver complaints and a complaint was handled of parked vehicles and swimmers prohibiting boat traffic at a public access.

District 12 - St. Cloud area

CO Mitch Sladek (Big Lake) worked fisherman on the Mississippi River and area lakes.  He took enforcement action on a number of violations; angling without fishing license, over limit of fish, extra lines, and no life jackets.  He followed up on a number of nuisance beaver calls; permits were issued.

CO Brandon McGaw (Mora) directed patrol time to several WMA's due to an increase of ATV and motorcycle activity.   Anglers were also checked on several lakes and rivers.  The bite has slowed considerably with the recent stretch of warm weather.  Officer McGaw also spoke with a couple of bear hunters who were searching for new areas to hunt.   Enforcement action was taken on ATV and boat registration as well as no angling license on person.  

CO Todd Langevin (Center City) reports a busy weekend of fishing and boating.  The St. Croix River saw lots of canoe activity this weekend.  Angling success was spotty but some success was found.  Violations included no license in possession, fail to display ATV registration, no spotter or mirror while pulling a skier, and no weed roller permit.

CO Reller (Buffalo) followed up on several TIP calls and nuisance animal complaints.  Officer  Reller also investigated a violation for destroying aquatic vegetation on a local lake. Enforcement action was taken for several over limits of crappies, angling without a license, and failure to secure a permit for a weed roller.

CO Brian Dobbick (Cambridge) worked boaters and anglers on area lakes and rivers the past week.  Possible wetland violations continue to be investigated and ATV activity was worked in State Forests.  Many wildlife complaints were also handled.  Enforcement action was taken for license and registration violations.

CO David Schottenbauer (Princeton) worked area ATV complaints, angling activity, and lakes for boating.  CO Schottenbauer and CO Langevin checked anglers on the St. Croix while on kayaks.  As they were checking some anglers a few ATVs were spotted on the riverbank.  As CO Langevin went to contact them, they took off.  The COs continued the trip down river, and wouldn't you know it, the same ATVs were spotted again in another illegal area.  This time they were stopped before they could take off, and enforcement action was taken for several violations.

District 13 - West Metro area

CO Kevin Neitzke (Ft. Snelling) attended a training meeting; checked fishermen along the Minnesota River; patrolled Ft. Snelling State Park; and worked a Boat and Water detail with CO Nelson.

CO Steve Walter (Waconia) completed the test to be certified for MNJIS (CJIS) computer use at the St. Paul central office.  A Boat and Water safety detail was worked on Lake Minnetonka with CO Le. Citations and warnings were issued for angling without licenses in possession, angling without first procuring licenses, failure to display watercraft registrations, riding on gunwale of watercraft, slow no wake violations, operate personal watercraft at a high rate of speed within 150 feet of shore, and operate watercraft after sunset without displaying proper lights.

CO Jackie Glaser (Mound) worked a Boat and Water project on Lake Minnetonka.  Violations included BWI, no PFDs, gunwale riding, boat overloaded, child under 10 without a PFD, no boat registration, no lights, no fishing license, and extra lines.  She also attended a fishing event on Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior.

CO Aaron Kahre (Minnetonka) spent the week checking fishermen and finishing up on reports.  CO Kahre also investigated public waters violations and performed invasive species enforcement on Lake Minnetonka.

CO Adam Block (Prior Lake) spent the week working angling and boating activity.  Time was also spent working public water violations resulting in the issuance of a Cease and Desist Order.  A TIP call was received resulting in the issuance of a ticket and seized shotgun.  One shore angler was apprehended after he was found fishing with an extra line while having three warrants issued for his arrest.  Boating enforcement was done on Lake Minnetonka with CO Glaser resulting in a variety of violations encountered. 

CO Thor Nelson (Bloomington) completed a trespassing investigation and served a public waters restoration order.  He spent the majority of his time on boating and angling enforcement.  Catfish anglers were out in full force.  A few flatheads in the 40# and over range were reported.  CO Nelson encountered an angler who was doing a little too much multi-tasking.  When the angler was approached, he was talking on the cell phone, trying to remove the hook from a catfish, tending a second rod and reel and trying to remove line tangled around the catfish's fins all at the same time.  CO Nelson helped him remove the hook, untangle and release the catfish first, and then issued the extra line citation afterwards.

CO Vang Lee (ELCOP) worked anglers and boating activity in the metro area lakes and rivers.  He worked at Lao Family office answering questions to general public on hunting, fishing, and state park regulations.  Officer Lee also worked an invasive project at Prior Lake and assisted the USDA in contacting an individual for interview.  Violations encountered this week were angle without angling license in possession and fishing with extra line.

CO Thephong Le (ELCOP) worked a Boat and Water Safety detail on Lake Minnetonka with CO Walter and checked anglers on the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers with CO Nelson. There were numerous violations detected; no fishing license, angling with extra lines, no Type IV life jacket in boat, operate a boat with passenger riding on the gunwales/ transom, no navigation lights, and PWC creating wake within 150 feet of shore.

CO Todd Kanieski (Osseo) worked invasive species, boating and angling enforcement efforts throughout the week.  He coordinated a site inspection with a landowner, contractor, DNR hydrologist and a DNR aquatic plant management worker to resolve and work on a plan to restore an unlawful shore land impact site.  He also attended a firearms/defensive tactics instructor meeting.

District 14 - East Metro area

CO Vuthy Pril (ELCOP) checked anglers around the metro area lakes and rivers, checked boats for safety equipment, and patrolled state parks and trails.  He responded to miscellaneous animal calls and other complaints.  

CO Travis Muyres (Ham Lake) checked anglers on area lakes.   Reports of nuisance bear were taken in various areas of the county.   CO Muyres also talked to a Firearm Safety class in Forest Lake. 

CO Alex Gutierrez (Forest Lake) checked anglers on the St. Croix River and investigated what appeared to be an abandoned watercraft.  Officer Gutierrez also responded to a barn fire in Hugo over the weekend.  When the officer arrived with the county deputy, there were several people standing around drinking soda pop and watching the fire; there was also a track-hoe idling next to the fire.  Coincidently, the barn had been damaged during a tornado last year, they were going to demolish the structure and somehow an electrical fire started the building ablaze.  Although they stated the power had been turned off at the breaker box, miraculously it still arced and caused a fire.  After the fire department dumped several thousand gallons of water on the fire the officer distributed the proper paperwork to those involved. 

CO Tony Salzer (Eagan) patrolled area lakes and rivers for angling and boating activity. CO Salzer worked with CO Salo to patrol the St. Croix and the Mississippi for Operation Dry Water.  Officer Salzer also patrolled with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department.

CO Lisa Kruse (White Bear Lake) worked angling enforcement on area lakes and rivers and handled an aquatic vegetation complaint.  She set up Firearm Safety classes and issued a nuisance beaver permit.  CO Kruse worked boating enforcement on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers with CO McGowan over the weekend. Various violations were encountered, including gunwale riding, failure to display required navigation lights, boating while intoxicated, no Type IV throwable device, and child under the age of ten not wearing a PFD.  CO Kruse and CO McGowan also did an interview for WCCO television regarding boating safety.

CO Patrick McGowan (Hastings) reports spending a busy week on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers.  The Hastings officer checked anglers and recreation boaters throughout the week and weekend on the rivers.  CO McGowan worked with CO Kruse over the weekend for Operation Dry Water which focuses on apprehending intoxicated boaters.  Enforcement action was taken throughout the week for angling without a license, insufficient PFD's, violation of a slow/no wake zone, and no navigation lights after sunset.  One boater was also arrested for boating while intoxicated.

CO Greg Salo (East Metro) participated in Operation Dry Water on the St. Croix River.  Several boaters were checked and compliance was good.  Several fishermen were checked along the Mississippi River and enforcement action taken included no license, taking fish in closed area, no PFD, and slow no wake violation.

CO Brad Johnson (Maplewood) reported that he spoke to a firearms safety class in Woodbury and investigated a complaint of an individual shooting at Great Egrets in Shoreview.  Officer Johnson checked anglers during the week and took enforcement action on no license violations.  CO Johnson also worked the Operation Birds Eye View detail in Dakota County. 

District 15 - Marshall Area

CO Gary Nordseth (Worthington) issued several out-of-state minnow transport permits, checked anglers and fielded numerous questions about the new uncased gun law.  He also gave a presentation on fishing laws to a community group.  Personal watercraft operators are reminded that they are required to be off of the water one hour before sunset.  The boating synopsis has a chart showing the sunrise/sunset times for Minnesota.

CO Matt Loftness (Marshall) assisted the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and other rescue units in the search for a drowning victim on School Grove Lake. The victim was not wearing a life jacket at the time he entered the water. Warm weather and a decent walleye bite made for a lot of activity on area lakes during the week. On Saturday, CO Loftness attended a fishing tournament on Lake Yankton and also attended a “Fishing Has No Boundaries” event on Cottonwood Lake put on by the Cottonwood Sportsmen’s Club.

CO Doug Lage (Lake Benton) reports that area lakes have been productive with good amounts of walleyes taken. CO Lage assisted the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office with a search for an individual who had jumped from a burning boat on School Grove Lake.  The victim was recovered several hours later.  Enforcement action was taken on angling license and watercraft registration violations. 

CO Jim Robinson (Slayton) spent the week conducting investigations, working ATVs, and enforcing boat safety laws.  Fishing success has picked up on most area lakes with Lake Benton still being the best for nice walleye.  The Nobles County Electric Cooperative Safety Day was worked.  Enforcement action was taken operate ATV in middle of road, inaccessible PFDs, and license/registration violations.

CO Ed Picht (Montevideo) assisted the DNR Wildlife Division with banding geese.  One goose was found to have fishing string wrapped tightly around both legs, cutting the circulation off.  The string was cut off and it appeared as though the goose was going to survive. 

CO Neil Henriksen (Benson) reports that the main enforcement efforts this week were directed at fishermen, boaters, and OHM and ATV operators.  Swift County Sheriff is investigating the death of a 16-year-old off-highway motorcyclist.  Wetland drainage / filling investigations continue.  Numerous animal calls were handled. 

Madison - vacant.

Redwood Falls - vacant.

District 16 - New Ulm area

CO Jim Steffen (Willmar west) spent the week checking fishermen, boaters, ATV riders and other off road riders. Time was also spent following up on a large over limit case and doing interviews.  Walleye and northern have been biting on some of the area lakes with the best fishing happening at last light.

CO Angela Graham (Hutchinson) checked anglers, boaters, ATV's, and OHM's. Officer Graham also spoke at a Youth Firearms Safety Class in Olivia, responded to complaints of PWC's and boaters getting to close to swimming beaches, and also assisted with a boating accident in Lyon County.

CO Wayne Hatlestad (Litchfield) checked angling, boating, and PWC activity.  Additional time was spent checking and advising boaters of invasive species.  Officer Hatlestad also checked ATV activity and investigated a dogs chasing deer complaint.  Time was also spent checking a possible WCA violation and aquatic vegetation violation.

CO Brett Oberg (Hutchinson) worked mostly anglers and boaters over the week.  Angling success remains low in the area.  CO Oberg took calls relating to fawn deer, dog training requests, and collector snowmobile permits.

CO Greg Abraham (New Ulm) worked boating enforcement and angling activity.  Walleye bite is slowing but catfish success is improving on the river. Officer Abraham talked to a youth firearm safety class in New Ulm and patrolled area state parks and public access sites.

CO Mike Gruhlke (Jackson) completed his radio program this week discussing topics including area activity and boat and water safety.  Officer Gruhlke worked anglers and boat and water safety this week.  He noted an increase in recreational boating, i.e.: jet skiing, tubing and water skiing this week and weekend.  CO Gruhlke returned calls concerning fawn deer, snapping turtles and indigo buntings.  He also assisted the Jackson County Sheriff's Department with a search for a male resident of Jackson County.

Windom - vacant.

District 17 - Mankato area

CO Corey Wiebusch (Mankato) finished up investigations on several state park violations.  The officer spoke at a firearm safety class in Watonwan County.  Officer Wiebusch, along with Officer Ihnen and the Blue Earth County water patrol deputy, handled a complaint of several individuals operating a PWC after consuming alcohol.  Several underage consumption citations, along with careless operation of a watercraft, were issued.

Standby CO Pilot Bob Geving (Mankato) spent most of the week conducting aviation related activities.  These included training and assisting with a Forestry Sketch Mapping project. 

CO Chris Howe (St. Peter) checked anglers and boaters this week. Pan fish are still coming off of area lakes and there were lots of boaters out with the hot weather. Officer Howe also worked invasive species activity, checked public lands for litter and vandalism, and worked at the youth event at the Nicollet Conservation Club.

CO Brent Ihnen (Waseca) continued patrolling his area for boating and fishing activity. Officer Ihnen also responded to TIP calls and took complaints of other various illegal activities.  Enforcement action was taken for fail to display registration, no PFDs, angling without a license, snagging game fish, illegally possessed fish on special regulation waters, and failure to display navigation lights after sunset.

CO Tom Hutchins (Albert Lea) reports spending most of this week checking anglers and watercraft operators.  Time was further spent working PWC complaint areas.  Area WMA's and public water access sites were also checked.  Violations encountered this week included various watercraft violations and take/possess fish over-limit.

CO Phil George (Mantorville) checked anglers and boaters; no angling license and expired watercraft registration were among the violations found.  Wildlife management areas were checked for litter and motor vehicle use.  Many nuisance animal complaints were taken as well.

Spring Valley - vacant.

District 18 - Rochester area

CO Boyum (Rushford) reports checking trout anglers in the area. Fishing has been fair with most anglers getting a few fish.  Baby animal calls have started to slow down. ATV complaint areas were also worked. A few questions have come in about the new deer season/law changes.

CO Tom Hemker (Winona) reports spending time on the river checking boating and fishing.  Fishing has been good with several people catching their limit.  He assisted a stranded boater who had engine problems and was blown onto a wing-dam.  Officer Hemker responded to a complaint he had received.  The person being complained about was not doing anything wrong, but the friend of the caller was fishing without a license. 

CO Tyler Quandt (Red Wing) reported working fishing, boating and ATV activity over the past week and weekend.  The fishing success on Lake Pepin has been very good.  Many limits of big fish were observed.  Officer Quandt assisted an angler who had a hook from a treble hook imbedded in his face.   A stolen ATV was recovered over the weekend and charges are pending in the case. 

CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked anglers and recreational vehicles during the week.  Officer Heyn also checked an individual who was taking turtles and eggs.  The person was helping someone else who was doing research and had the proper permits. 

CO Scott Moran (Wabasha) reported that the walleye and sauger bite is still good on Lake Pepin.  Reports of "orphaned" baby animals are still trickling in so please remind people to leave them alone.   Road construction near Theilman has caused some problems getting to the Zumbro Bottoms West Assembly area, but that should be corrected this week.

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