Weekly CO report
District 8 - Duluth area
Last updated: 2025-05-19
CO Derek Peterlin (Brookston) monitored angling activity throughout the station. The St. Louis River Estuary had a good walleye bite going. He continued to receive complaints and questions regarding people fishing in the sanctuary portion of the St. Louis River Estuary. He also assisted with a fire investigation and dealt with ATV-related violations.
CO Tony Elwell (Cloquet) provided TFO and ground support with the wildfires in the northeast. ATV and angling patrols were conducted. Cold, wet, and windy weather kept most anglers at home over the weekend, but some shore anglers were checked. Angling license violations were dealt with this week.
CO Mikeena Wehr (Carlton) spent time this week checking anglers, working ATV/OHM activity, and investigating complaints, many of which dealt with fires. ATV violations, including juvenile ATV passengers without helmets on, were addressed. As a reminder, DOT-approved helmets are required for all ATV operators/passengers until they are 18.
CO Aimee Hand (Willow River) assisted other agencies with various calls throughout the week. Paperwork was completed following the busy fishing opener. With the Nemadji State Forest now open, traffic was high for recreational vehicles in some areas. Turkey hunters were scarce this week, and the rain did not help activity.
CO Gabriel Soriano (Hinckley) checked many ATV riders around Pine County. Riders are encouraged to take advantage of the good weather and recently opened trails but are reminded to practice responsible riding. Research closures to specific trails, ensure they are operating on appropriate trails for their machines, and always have appropriate safety equipment for their operators and passengers. Several violations were detected, resulting in enforcement action being taken.
CO Ben Karon (Pine City) spent most of the week training cadets at the CO Academy. Time was also spent checking anglers, who reported varied success. ATV patrol was done in the Chengwatana State Forest and the St. Croix State Forest. People operating on closed trails were stopped. Miscellaneous wildlife-related complaints, fires, and wetland complaints were investigated.
Duluth West vacant.