 The mild temperatures and ice conditions on Leech Lake have raised some concerns for public safety during the annual Eelpout Festival. In a press release from the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Tom Birch says that ice conditions for Walker Bay and forecasted warm temperatures have created concern due to the large volume of vehicles and ice house traffic that is expected. The Sheriff's Office says that event and participant safety is their number one priority. Vehicle traffic on Walker Bay during the event will be prohibited except for the following exceptions. Vehicle traffic for the Walker Bay area will be restricted to snowmobiles and Class 1 and 2 ATVs. All vehicles must be removed from the ice by noon Friday, February 24th and no other motorized vehicle traffic will be allowed from noon Friday until 10 a.m. Sunday. Violators will be issued citations and towed from the lake during this period. Maps of the restricted area will be posted on the Cass County Sheriff's Office website and Facebook as well as the Eelpout Festival's official website. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.