District 4 – Walker area

Last updated: 2026-08-24

CO Michael Cross (Lake George) worked angling, boating, ricing, and off highway vehicles. Training was attended. Multiple bear hunting related questions were answered and bear baits were checked. Calls for service were answered.

CO Nick Baum (Park Rapids) patrolled the local area for Bear Baiting, recreational vehicle, boating, and angling activity. CO Baum patrolled the Leech Lake area for AIS violations and educated tournament anglers on how to prevent the spread of AIS. CO Baum and CO Cross patrolled Leech Lake Wild Rice beds to prevent destruction of these protected resources. CO Baum attended training at Camp Ripley. CO Baum took enforcement action on various violations.

CO Landyn Saewert (Wadena) spent the week assisting with fires in the northern part of the state.

CO Patrick McGowan (Cass Lake) spent the week assisting with fires in the northern part of the state.

CO Jack Lien (Walker) patrolled his area and found anglers to check and observed a small amount of ATV activity. Few violations were noted. Lien observed the area was extra busy due to the Bassmaster College Tournament being hosted in Walker, bringing a large number of boats and students from across the nation to compete in the event. Lien prioritized Aquatic Invasive Species enforcement and found very few violations leaving him impressed with the large number of boats through town. Lien also spent a day training with members of the agency at Camp Ripley. Firearms training and public safety response training was conducted as those two categories play a large role in a CO’s daily life.

CO Levi Brown (Staples) had a busy week with trainings at Camp Ripley. Brown also responded to reports of illegal bear bait sites in the area. Over the weekend, Brown issued citations for fishing without an angling license.

ATV rec officer – vacant.