DNR report

This week’s report from the region’s Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers.

Scott Staples (Carlton) assisted with an aquatic invasive species check station in the Duluth area where several violations were encountered. A K-9 training was attended at Camp Ripley where units worked with the dogs in obedience and searching for firearms. Boating activity was worked in the area with enforcement action being taken for fishing without a license in possession, insufficient flotation devices, and registration violations.

Andy Schmidt (Duluth West) worked two aquatic invasive species (AIS) details within the district and participated in a multi-agency emergency mock aircraft incident in the Duluth Harbor. Completed equipment maintenance and patrolled area waterways for angling activity.

Jacob Willis (Brookston) saw steady angling activity this past week, but not a lot of success. An AIS check station was staffed in Saginaw with multiple violations found. Enforcement action taken during the week were for no license in possession, improper display of watercraft registration, transporting aquatic plants and failure to remove a watercraft drain plug during transport. Assisted the Duluth Police Department in attempting to locate a subject who was missing under suspicious circumstances. The missing person was found safe.

Kipp Duncan (Duluth East) spent time on area lakes checking anglers and conducting boating enforcement. Warmer weather during the week brought out many people who were tubing, waterskiing, and swimming. A couple water-level complaints continue to be worked. Participated in an area work crew concentrating on water-related equipment transporting aquatic invasive species.

Keith Olson (Lake Superior Marine Unit) worked the AIS road check detail in Saginaw with fellow Region 2 officers. AIS was also worked along the North Shore and Superior Harbor. Bear complaints were fielded after animals were getting into garbage and bird feeders in Duluth. Lake Superior was checked in the Duluth area and license-related violations were found.

Dustie Speldrich (Willow River) investigated a report of trespassing. She assisted local law enforcement with a stolen vehicle report. Followed up on wetland cases and worked ATV, AIS and boating activity. She also rescued a snapping turtle from a window well.

Report of the week

Annette Kyllo (Pierz) investigated a tip of a bear shot out of season. The responsible person stated their motive for shooting the bear was “I don’t like bears.” Individuals transporting zebra mussels on a swim raft were also located and enforcement action was taken.