CO reports: Bear baiting begins, ATV violations monitored – Brainerd Dispatch

CO Andrew Ladzinski (Bemidji #1) spent time patrolling lakes in the area and checking bear bait stations. Investigated complaints about trimming aquatic plants without a permit. A certified bear hunter was successful in bringing down a bear that was damaging a farmer's crops. Actions were taken for fishing without a permit, inadequate life jackets, no fire extinguishers and an expired watercraft registration.

CO Jake Swedberg (Detroit Lakes) worked with COC Calli Oberg this week. They focused primarily on enforcing ATV and sport fishing regulations. Walleye fishing is increasing in the area and some anglers have had success. Swedberg also spent time preparing equipment for the upcoming hunting season and attended an educational meeting.

CO Jordan Anderson (Osage) reports continued fishing activity on local lakes as summer draws to a close. Bear baiting has begun in several locations on state forests, with minimal ATV activity observed. Anderson and COC (Candidate Conservation Officer) Stringer removed an abandoned watercraft from Itasca State Park. Enforcement actions for the week included individuals riding dirt bikes on the roadway, ATVs without headlights, and several PFD violations during boat checks on local lakes.

CO Jamus Veit (Bemidji #2) spent time patrolling area lakes, handling nuisance bear complaints, and monitoring bear baiting. Additional time was spent helping the Becida Sportsman's Club with a gun safety day and working as a security guard at the State Fair.

CO Corey Sura (Remer) Controlled bear bait stations and anglers at area lakes. All-terrain vehicle activity was monitored and action was taken against off-road vehicle operation on a state highway.

CO Nick Baum (Park Rapids) patrolled the area to combat off-road vehicles and bear baiting. Baum conducted a site visit for a possible wetland violation and followed up on other aquatic plant cases. Baum completed planning for an upcoming firearms safety course at the Mantrap Valley Conservation Club in October.

CO Patrick McGowan (Walker) patrolled Leech Lake and other lakes in Cass County throughout the week. McGowan continues to train a new conservation officer from the recent academy. Action was taken to enforce numerous boating and fishing violations.

CO Jacque Johnson (Longville) conducted commercial license audits. It also responded to reports of publicly available waste, such as discarded garbage.

CO Michael Cross (Lake George) completed work on a pre-employment background check. He also assisted with a youth firearms safety course for more than 20 students. Finally, Cross worked in wild rice, ATV, boating, and fishing.

CO Landyn Saewert (Wadena) Took a gun safety course and gave a lecture on laws and ethics. Follow-up was done with the lake's service providers regarding some expired permits. Saewert helped with a safety detail at Minnesota State Fair for a time.

CO Adam Seiferman (Staples) Reports on working on a background investigation for a potential new employee. Seifermann and his K9 partner Jet also visited the Minnesota State Fair and performed demonstrations with the K9 team.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) continued working on a background investigation of a CO applicant. Some time was spent working on matters related to the new licensing system. Mathy visited a wetland modification site and responded to a complaint related to bear hunting.

CO Luke Belgard (Pine River) This week I worked on fishing, boating and off-road vehicle regulations. Time was spent monitoring local access points for AIS violations. Complaints about public waters and aquatic vegetation were handled.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd No. 2) This week I worked with the Parks and Trails Department staff on a complaint about encroachment on the Paul Bunyan Trail. Numerous wildlife-related complaints were addressed. Guida also completed an online training course for continuing education credits.

CO Andrew Dirks (CCSRA) and COC Andrew Struffert was busy monitoring recreational boating and ATV activities, checking anglers and conducting a BWI investigation. Officers completed a property damage investigation at the Sagamore Unit Rally Center, enforcement action is pending. Other violations included missing safety equipment and registration issues on rented watercraft from vacation rentals, which were subject to enforcement action.

CO Victoria Griffith (Island) spent time monitoring lakes, ATV trails, and bear hunts in the area. Griffith responded to wildlife calls and followed up on ongoing cases. Griffith assisted with a security call at the State Fair.

CO Joseph Scholz (Malmö) worked the DNR State Fair booth, checking bear bait, checking anglers on Mille Lacs Lake, and talking to kids at a gun safety class and at a National Wild Turkey Federation youth event in Aitkin. Anglers continued to have mixed success catching walleye on Mille Lacs Lake, and some anglers caught large bass. Actions were taken against youths without helmets on ATVs, fishing without a license, and keeping walleye on Mille Lacs outside of the fishing area. Be sure to stop by the DNR booth this week when you're at the State Fair!

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) checked anglers and ATV riders. Actions were taken for fishing without a license, fishing in a prohibited area and operating an off-road vehicle without a permit. Benkofske also manned the DNR booth at the State Fair and answered questions from the public.

CO Ashley Whiteoak (Aitkin) spent time patrolling fishing, boating and ATV activities. Action was taken on ATV-related violations. She also followed up on various calls involving nuisance bears and hunting questions. She also helped with the second annual Youth Day hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation at the Wealthwood Rod and Gun Club.

CO Stephen Westby (Little Falls) spent the week at Camp Ripley assisting with defensive tactics and firearms training. Several calls were received regarding nuisance bears. Time was spent preparing equipment for the fast-approaching waterfowl season. Please read all hunting regulations and waterfowl regulation books.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) Fishing activities and boating were conducted. Calls regarding bear hunting and aquatic plants were handled. Preparations were made for upcoming details.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) I have been involved in fishing and boating activities. I have spent time at the DNR information booth at the State Fair and spoken to the public. Enforcement actions have included banning registration of off-road vehicles, trapping raccoons out of season, and banning fishing licenses.

CO Adam Stennett (Annandale) Several violations of aquatic plant management regulations were identified during the week. Lakeshore owners were contacted and action was taken against unauthorized weed rolling and herbicide spraying of cattails. An ATV was stopped on State Highway 24 for driving on the highway. The driver had been warned by Stennett in the past and informed of where ATVs can be legally operated. Action was taken. Assistance was also provided to other agencies during the week.