District 11 - St. Cloud area

Last updated: 2013-05-07

CO Mike Martin (St Cloud) checked anglers, provided in-service training to other conservation officers, and responded to TIP calls during the past week. Officer Martin spoke on-air at a local radio station regarding fishing opener, boat and water safety, AIS, and common courtesy at boat ramps and assisted Stearns Co Sheriff?s Dept. as well.

WREO Keith Bertram attended annual training at Camp Ripley. Fishing and wetland complaints were handled. Enforcement action was taken for no burning permit, no OHM registration, and operating an OHM on a roadway. WREO Bertram also tagged a local dealer's minnow harvesting equipment for use in infested waters.
CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) checked anglers along the Mississippi River and completed an investigation on hunters failing to register their deer from last fall. Nuisance bear problems continue to come in and CO Kuske received a complaint call of pelicans eating a person?s fish from the Mississippi River and the complainant wanting to shoot at the pelicans to scare them away (not a lawful practice). A call of an injured deer was handled and a beaver that was hit on the road was picked up.

CO Rhonda Friese (Long Prairie) attended annual in-service training. Bow fishermen aren?t finding many suckers in the creeks. Ice conditions deteriorated intensely this past week. Another dogs chasing deer complaint is under investigation. A carcass dumping complaint was received. Another solid waste complaint is under investigation.

CO Todd VanderWeyst (Paynesville) worked anglers, trapping and turkey hunters. More class two ATVs were seen out in the road in the traffic lane, stops were made and drivers were reminded of laws on where they can operate those machines. A talk was presented to criminal justice students at SCSU in regards to employment opportunities as a CO.

CO Chad Thesing (Albany) worked anglers, turkey hunters, ATV activity and fires. Time was spent following up on TIP calls which resulted in over limit of crappie. Ice on most area lakes is off or close to being off. He attended Division training at Camp Ripley.

CO Paul Kuske (Pierz) responded to two complaints of people failing to be accountable for their dogs. The owners were allowing their multiple dogs to roam on other people?s property, chase deer and livestock, and cause damage to property. Shore fishermen are starting to show up but fishing has been slow. CO Kuske attended Division in-service training at Camp Ripley.

CO Caleb Silgjord (Sauk Centre) addressed several fire issues during the week. Enforcement action was taken for allowing a smoldering fire and burning without a permit. A TIP complaint regarding the wanton waste of a large amount of panfish was handled. CO Silgjord attended Division in-service training and an AIS presentation was given to an area lake association. Other enforcement action included unlawful deposit of garbage at an area access. Upon locating the garbage a brief check of the bag revealed mailing items. Locating the suspect was found to be short work.

CO Brian Mies (Annandale) attended training at Camp Ripley. CO Mies also checked anglers last week. CO Mies also worked on fish run.