Weekly CO report

District 10 - Mille Lacs area

Last updated: 2025-03-24

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) reports anglers are still accessing the ice with ATVs. Trapping activity was checked along the open water of edges and creeks. Verkuilen also investigated litter complaints and illegal use of public lands.

CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) spent time following up on ongoing investigations. ATV riding and angling activities were monitored. Overall activity was very slow. Time was also spent looking into property abandoned at a public access.

CO Joseph Scholz (Malmo) patrolled for angling and ATV riding activities and addressed multiple wildfires in the area. Only a few anglers still braved the ice conditions and tended to stick close to shore. Most trails were closed for ATV activity due to muddy conditions. Enforcement actions were taken for leaving lines unattended and operating an ATV on a closed trail. Be sure to check with a DNR Forestry office if planning to conduct a spring burn. Dry and windy conditions have caused many fires to spread out of control.

CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) checked anglers in the area. Ice conditions greatly varied on area lakes. He also responded to several grass fires.

CO Dan Starr (Onamia) worked on spring road closure and trail use issues. Some anglers were braving sketchy ice conditions to venture out. ATV activity was picking up on warmer days with some gravel roads in the area being torn up by hot rod ATV operators. Equipment items were worked on. He also made spring trapping checks.

CO Ashley Whiteoak (Aitkin) spent time patrolling ice fishing, trapping, and ATV riding activities. She also spent time working on annual equipment maintenance. She assisted the Aitkin County Police Department with a Coffee with a Cop event.

CO Trevon Pietz (Wealthwood) attended waterfowl identification and enforcement training. Pietz responded to a report of an unhealthy red fox showing signs of illness. ATV activity was monitored on closed state trails. Pietz also assisted with two minnow retailer inspections. Routine patrols and public contacts were conducted throughout the week.