CO Reports: ATV Occupants Are Subject to Road Traffic Laws – Brainerd Dispatch

CO (Conservation Officer) Jordan Anderson (Osage) spent time following up on pending complaints about wetlands and public waters. Numerous calls were received about nuisance animals. Time was also spent on fisheries and recreational vehicle enforcement. Enforcement actions have been taken for several ATV-related violations. Drivers are reminded that once an ATV leaves the road, the traffic law applies. Enforcement actions have also been taken for alcohol-related violations, including a DWI arrest and no alcohol interlock. Alcohol interlock restrictions also apply to the operation of recreational vehicles.

CO Andrew Ladzinski (Bemidji #1) Spent time patrolling local lakes and assisting with CO Academy duties. He responded to calls for service. Violations found this week included no license, fishing without a license, illegal use of cast nets, and several other violations of boat safety equipment. Anglers continue to report slow bites, but a few anglers have been able to find some walleyes.

CO Jamus Veit (Bemidji #2) spent the week patrolling area lakes for boating and fishing activities. Additional time was spent fielding nuisance animal complaints, responding to calls from the public, and training with the DNR intern.

CO Andrew Goodman (Perham) controlled wetlands and public water restoration efforts, along with addressing more complaints about aquatic plants. Water-related recreational activities remained steady with many paddlers observed with excellent river conditions. As a reminder, all canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding enthusiasts on public waters are required to wear or have a life jacket on board their vessel.

Graphic / MN DNR 2023 OHV regulations

CO Landyn Saewert (Wadena) spent the week patrolling the lakes and ATV trails in the area. A call was received of an injured eagle. The eagle was captured and then taken to the area raptor center. Other calls were handled regarding wildlife and water complaints.

CO Nick Baum (Park Rapids) patrolled the area for fishing and ATV activities. He observed increased recreational vehicle traffic in the area involving the county fair and Muskie Days activities. Baum attended and participated in the Nevis Musky Days Parade, along with personnel from the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office. Baum took enforcement action on several violations.

CO Corey Sura (Remer) assisted with watercraft training for the ongoing CO Academy at Camp Ripley. Sura worked on Lake Winnibigoshish and adjacent waters for angling. Enforcement actions were taken for fishing without a license and keeping illegal walleye. Several Wetland Conservation Act/public waters cases are still ongoing with the assistance of local authorities.

CO Jacque Johnson (Longville) investigated multiple complaints about the shoreline. She also took calls about nuisance bears.

CO Mark Mathy (Cass Lake) worked on several projects including a pre-employment background check, training materials for the CO Academy, and attending meetings about the new ELS program. Mathy also spent time checking on fishermen and ATV riders. Assisted the State Patrol at an incident. Enforcement actions were taken for ATV violations.

CO Adam Seifermann (Staples) reports that he assisted at the CO Academy at Camp Ripley and has initiated background checks on new employees prior to their hire.

CO Jim Guida (Brainerd #2) worked on the station for illegal off-road vehicle use. Guida completed use of force evaluations from the CO Academy at Camp Ripley. Guida answered questions about suspected illegal removal of aquatic plants and dispersed camping violations.

CO Matthew Brodin (Brainerd #1) assisted at Camp Ripley for the current CO Academy. He received a TIP call about a suspect fishing with too many lines. Action was taken for fishing with extra lines, no type IV cast lines and permit violations.

CO Calie Cook (Crosslake) worked all week on fishing, boating and ATV enforcement. Cook also handled numerous complaints about jet skis and responded to calls about injured deer.

CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) checked fishermen and boaters, both of whom kept the lakes busy. There are a lot of insects in the woods this summer. People were checked who were enjoying the ATV trails.

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) controlled activity on the lake where many summer vacations took place. ATV traffic was monitored. He also attended training and assisted at a local community festival.

CO Joseph Scholz (Malmö) patrolled area lakes for fishing and boating activities and followed up on tips received during the Aitkin County Fair and Isle Days. Summer fun on the lakes was in full swing with many people cooling off with jet skis and tubing. Enforcement actions were taken for youths on ATVs without seat belts, no throwable flotation devices on watercraft and taking an over-limit of sunfish. Always check lakes for special regulations before fishing.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) ATV riders and fishermen were checked. Enforcement action was taken for youth on ATVs without helmets, speeding, expired registration and illegal riding on the road. Benkofske also assisted with training at the CO Academy at Camp Ripley.

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) enforcement action was taken against fishermen camping at a public access point. More incidents of wolf predation on livestock were also handled. Federal trappers assisted in wolf predation investigations.

CO Ashley Whiteoak (Aitkin) She spent time patrolling fishing, boating, and ATVing. She also spent time training for deer farm inspections. She followed up on several calls, including one about someone trying to keep a pet squirrel.

CO Stephen Westby (Little Falls) patrolled area lakes and rivers for boating and fishing activities. Received and handled several bear complaints. Spent time working with the DNR Marine Unit in St. Paul at the Minnesota Yacht Club Concert.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked at the CO Academy this week. He talked about the concerns about nuisance animals. He also worked with fishermen in the evenings.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) fishermen, boaters, and wetland issues. ATV activity was monitored. A court appearance was attended on a deer season case and the suspect was found guilty.

CO Brett Fox (St. Cloud) spent the week patrolling for ATV, watercraft and fishing. Fox also trained at Camp Ripley to become a background checker. Violations this week included fishing without a license, no license in possession and ATV registration issues.

CO Keith Bertram (Long Prairie) spent the week checking boats and fishermen. One boat owner was caught fishing without a license, from an unregistered boat and without sufficient PFDs. A report of an injured deer was also handled.