MN DNR Enforcement

09/08/2026

Good story here on the invasive species, game and fish, and other work our CO handlers and their K9 partners do every day to protect Minnesota's people and natural resources.

Invasive zebra mussels have infested five percent of Minnesota’s treasured lakes, rivers and waterways, where they gobble up nutrients that native fish and plants need. So to keep them from spreading, the state’s Department of Natural Resources is using specially trained K-9s to sniff them out.

09/06/2026

The State Fair may be winding down, but the dogs are still ready to go!

If you’re at the Fair today or tomorrow, make sure to plan a stop at the DNR outdoor stage. Our K9 Unit is providing demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

They’ll showcase the wide variety of ways they protect Minnesota’s people and natural resources and answer any questions you have about the important work our dogs and their handlers do every day.

09/05/2026

Labor Day weekend is about one last big stretch of summer—time on the lake, hanging with family & friends, and making memories together.

Life jackets aren’t just for kids. Every person on the boat or in the water should have one on. Whether you’re swimming, tubing, fishing, or cruising the lake, a properly fitted life jacket gives you an extra layer of protection when the unexpected happens.

This weekend, wear it, don’t just bring it. Make the choice that keeps everyone in your boat, on your dock, and in the water safer.

Because the best memories are the ones you get to come home from.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/index.html

09/02/2026

Come on out and see us today at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Our boat and water safety team has a booth just outside the DNR building and is ready to answer all your boating questions, demonstrate a variety of types of life jackets, and start talking about staying safe on the ice. (We know it’s hot out now, but it’s never too early to start preparing!)

08/29/2026

Make sure to stop by and say hello!

08/25/2026

Before you ever turn the key to head out on the trails, make safety the day’s priority.

All too often, COs see people skipping some of the most important parts: Wearing a helmet and buckling up.

DOT-certified helmets: Encouraged for all but required for anyone under the age of 18 who operates or rides as a passenger on an off-highway vehicle. That includes kids riding in the back seat. Being a passenger doesn’t mean they can skip the helmet.

Seat belts: If your OHV is equipped with seat belts, buckle up every time. (All occupants of Class 2 ATVs that are manufactured with a seatbelt must wear a seatbelt when they're on public roadways or rights-of way.)

Parents set the example for young riders. Being a good role model means putting safety first.

mndnr.gov/ohv/atv-safety.html

08/24/2026

A well-deserved honor.

Longtime DNR Enforcement K9 handler CO Mike Fairbanks – along with Fennec and Si, the two dogs he worked with over the years – recently received the 2026 Loyal Partner Award from the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association. It reflects their years of commitment working on behalf of Minnesota’s people and natural resources.

Fairbanks worked with Si from 2013 to 2023. Upon Si’s retirement, Fairbanks began working with Fennec. Both dogs passed away earlier this year.

Fairbanks (right) is shown here with Chris Maier of the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association.

08/23/2026

Life jackets save lives.

In Minnesota, children under 10 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted life jacket when a boat is underway. But don’t stop there. Before leaving the dock:

• One for everyone: Make sure there is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, wearable life jacket available for every person on board.

• Check the fit: Life jackets should be the right size for the person wearing them. A properly fitted jacket should be snug but comfortable and should not ride up or slip off.

• Kids grow fast: Check the size and fit of your child’s life jacket at the beginning of every boating season. Don’t rely on a jacket that they have outgrown.

• Wear it, don’t just have it. Wear a life jacket is the best way to prevent a tragedy on the water.

mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/index.html

08/20/2026

Coming soon: Online auctions for confiscated hunting and fishing equipment.

The DNR is holding two online auctions – Aug. 31 and Sept. 28 – this year to sell equipment confiscated following serious fish and game violations.

Here are the details:
• A list of equipment to be auctioned will be available about a month before each auction at the Hiller Auction Service website (www.hillerauction.com).

• The bidding catalog for each auction will be available at the Hiller Auction Service website on Aug. 27 and Sept. 24. The catalog will include a written description and photos of each item.

• Online bidding for the auctions begins Aug. 28 (first auction) and Sept. 25 (second auction). Onsite inspection is available at Hiller Auction Service in Zimmerman on Aug. 28 and Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The auctions will begin closing at 5 p.m. on Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.

See the confiscated equipment auctions web page for more information: mndnr.gov/enforcement/auctions/index.html

08/20/2026

It was a great day to be near the water!

Yesterday, several conservation officers and pilots spent time talking with some of the 1,700 or so people who attended the Duluth Police Department Kids, Cops, and Cars event at Bayfront Park in Duluth.

Among the highlights for the kids? The opportunity for an up-close look at the DNR Enforcement helicopter, which serves many purposes – from rescuing stranded people to conducting habitat-improvement projects throughout Minnesota.