Minnesota Air Rescue Team Saves Conservation Officer After 20-Foot Fall
- Annette Schlag, a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, was rescued by helicopter after falling nearly 20 feet in a heavily wooded area near Plainview,...
- The incident occurred while Officer Schlag was in the process of removing an illegal deer stand located within the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area.
- Due to the rugged and heavily wooded nature of the terrain, officials on the ground determined they were unable to reach the officer safely.
Annette Schlag, a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, was rescued by helicopter after falling nearly 20 feet in a heavily wooded area near Plainview, Minnesota, on March 30.
The incident occurred while Officer Schlag was in the process of removing an illegal deer stand located within the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area.
Rescue Operations
Due to the rugged and heavily wooded nature of the terrain, officials on the ground determined they were unable to reach the officer safely. This necessitated the involvement of the Minnesota Air Rescue Team (MART) and the Saint Paul Fire Department.
The Minnesota State Patrol described the situation as having no easy way out
because of the steep and densely forested environment.
Rescue crews utilized a winch and hoist method to retrieve Schlag from the woodland and airlift her to safety.
Current Status
Officer Schlag is currently recovering at home. Officials have indicated that she is expected to make a full recovery.