Mayor of Minn. town accused of entering BWCAW illegally

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Ely Mayor Roger Skraba is accused of entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness illegally in March 2007.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Wednesday that Skraba faces federal counts of entering the wilderness without a permit, possessing or using a motor vehicle in it, and removing property.

The alleged violations occurred on Crooked Lake in March 2007, before Skraba began serving as mayor. He also served an earlier term.

Skraba is owner and guide for YaTaHey Outdoors, a wilderness guide and snowmobile rental company.

He told the Pioneer Press that a Forest Service agent apparently has information that he was in the Boundary Waters with a snowmobile. Skraba says he doesn't have the specifics and he's been advised not to say anything.

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