Health and Safety

• Itasca State Park Security 218-255-2248
• Clearwater County Sheriff’s Department 218-694-6226 (Itasca Station is inside Clearwater County)
• Hubbard County Sheriff’s Department 218-732-3331 (Itasca State Park includes Hubbard County, to the south)

Hospitals with an Emergency Room:

• Park Rapids CHI St. Joseph’s Health
  • Address: 600 Pleasant Avenue South, Park Rapids, MN, 56470
  • Phone: 218-732-3311
• Sanford Bemidji Medical Center
  • Address: 1300 Anne Street NW, Bemidji, MN, 56601
  • Phone: 218-751-5430

Nearest clinic with walk-in care:

• Park Rapids Essentia Clinic
  • Address: 1103 First Street East, Park Rapids, MN, 56470
  • Phone: 218-732-2800

Neither the station nor the state park has emergency warning sirens. Station users are responsible for opting into the automated alert systems described below. 

SAFE-U Alerts

SAFE-U is the University’s emergency mass notification system. All station users can opt into the system to receive severe weather and other emergency alerts for Itasca Station. For more information, see the University's Emergency Notification website.

UMN Opt-in Instructions

All UMN students, faculty, and staff can opt into Itasca Station SAFE-U Alerts. Update your preferences by taking the following steps in MyU: 

1. Select My info.

2. Select Manage SAFE-U Alerts.

3. Select My Information. 

4. Select the checkbox for Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

5. Save changes.

   You can opt out of the alerts at the end of your time at Itasca Station by following the same process and deselecting the checkbox for Itasca.

Non-UMN Opt-in Instructions

Parties from outside of the UMN system may access SAFE-U Alerts by downloading the Everbridge app from their device’s app store (iOS or Android.) Use the keyword "UMN_ITASCA" (case sensitive) to add alerts for Itasca Station.

Clearwater County Emergency Alerts

Itasca Station is in Clearwater County, and the county also has an emergency alert system for major incidents (evacuations, shelter-in-place, major emergency) as well as for severe weather notifications. To receive Clearwater County Alerts, enroll on the Clearwater County Emergency Management website.

State Park Alerts and Notices

Itasca State Park alerts and notices can be viewed on the Itasca State Park Alerts webpage. Itasca State Park does not have an automated alert system. Always be aware of current MN-DNR Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions around Itasca State Park.

Neither the station nor the state park has emergency warning sirens. All station users should remain aware of changing weather conditions. For the latest weather forecast, check the National Weather Service Forecast at weather.gov for the Lake Itasca area (zip code 56470). 

Monitor for severe weather conditions using a personal NOAA weather radio and sign up for Itasca SAFE-U alerts and/or Clearwater County emergency alerts (see Emergency Alerts section above). 

Outdoor activities and fieldwork should be adjusted when adverse weather is forecasted, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, extreme heat or cold, and snow or ice storms.

Storm shelter locations

Station users are responsible for deciding when to head to a storm shelter. Check posted station maps for the nearest one:

• Assembly Hall (Building 53)
• Building 48
• Building 44
• Cabins 2, 13, 70

During summer months, wildfire smoke can significantly affect air quality at our field station. Smoke contains harmful pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can pose health risks even in outdoor, natural settings. The following guidelines are provided to help you stay informed and protected.

Air Quality Monitoring and Protective Measures

• Monitor current and forecasted conditions at AirNow.gov.

• Daily AQI updates are posted on the Assembly Hall white board during the summer season.

• Outdoor activities and fieldwork should be adjusted when smoke levels are high. Suspension of outdoor activities may be necessary.
• Indoor air filtration systems are maintained and operational in Assembly Hall and Biome Center.
• Let your PI, instructor, and/or on-site lead know if you have health conditions that increase your vulnerability to smoke exposure.

AQI Risk Levels and Recommendations

Who Is at Higher Risk?

• Individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions

• People with heart disease

• Children and older adults

• Anyone engaging in heavy physical exertion

Always be aware of MN-DNR Fire Danger and Burning Restrictions.  

Fire risk

It is not uncommon for Itasca State Park to experience red flag warnings, indicating extreme fire risk. This means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity levels. When fire danger is high, take extra safety precautions, including keeping vehicles on roads or other non-vegetated areas to prevent ignition of wildfires by catalytic converters. Consider postponing activities when appropriate.

Burn restrictions

The DNR may put burn restrictions into place when fire danger levels are high. Restrictions vary, but can include no open fire (i.e., no campfires) and restrictions on using charcoal grills. These restrictions will be communicated to station users on the Assembly Hall information white board and through emails to on-site leads. When burn restrictions are not in place, follow posted Station Campfire Guidelines.

Wildfire emergency

In the event that a wildfire requires evacuation, the station will receive notice from state park patrol and will direct all users to leave the station. Park patrol staff will be posted along the Main Park Drive to assist in directing everyone out of the park using the proper evacuation route.

Those conducting winter outdoor activities have different safety considerations than during milder seasons. See the IBSL Winter Packing List for suggestions on what gear to bring with you. Additionally, our Winter Fieldwork Safety Guidelines provide information on how to best prepare for outdoor work in cold weather. Some of the key considerations are outlined below:

• Dress appropriately for your specific task: dress in layers to account for moisture wicking, retaining warmth, and protection from wind.
• Fuel your body properly: bring water to prevent dehydration, and bring snacks and/or warm beverages to keep your energy levels up.
• Avoid cold stress: taking warming breaks will help prevent your body temperature from becoming too low and putting you at risk for hypothermia.
• Always bring extra emergency supplies, and never go alone.
• Remember that ice is never 100% safe!
  • Follow ice safety guidelines.
  • Familiarize yourself with the signs of ice formations and conditions.

All waterfront activities are undertaken at your own risk. 

There is never a life guard on duty at the station or in the state park. 

Key Points for water safety:

• Know your limits and comfort on/in the water. Do not take unnecessary risks.
• Use the “buddy system” - do not boat or swim alone.
• Communicate your swimming or boating plans to someone who will be on shore, and sign out watercraft on the clipboard in the boathouse.
• If you hear thunder or see lightning get off of the lake immediately.
• Do not attempt to swim across the lake without a safety buoy or support boat.
• If your boat capsizes, do not swim to shore. Stay with the boat and signal for help.
• Use extra caution when paddling on cold water in the spring and fall. Capsizing in cold water can be deadly even for strong swimmers.
• Review DNR paddling safety tips for a more detailed overview of paddling safety.

If you see someone in distress or drowning, immediately shout for help. Use the practice of “Reach, Throw, Row, Go.” You can reach out to them from land, throw a flotation device or life-saving ring, or row a canoe out to get closer access. Do not swim out to a drowning person, unless you are trained as a lifeguard and wearing a flotation device. A drowning victim can easily drown another person who is not trained. AEDs are located in the Assembly Hall and in the Biome Center foyer.

One U.S. Coast Guard approved, properly sized, and easily accessible life jacket per person. Minnesota law requires one U.S. Coast Guard approved, properly sized, and easily accessible life jacket per person on all boats, including the station's recreational watercraft (canoes, kayaks and paddleboards). Anyone planning to use the station's recreational watercraft should review paddling safety tips before heading out on the water. All children under ten are required to wear an approved life jacket when boats are underway. While not required by law, we recommend that everyone wear a life jacket when using boats. All participants in station-sponsored boating activities will be required to wear a life jacket. 

Boating or swimming after dark is prohibited. Gauge your distance from shore as the sun sets to ensure you are back on land before dark. Station boats are not fitted with running lights and are not allowed to be used after dark. DNR fines may result at the expense of the operator from boating after dark without the proper lighting.

Pontoons, motorboats, and John/V-hull boats are not for general use. These boats are reserved for field courses or research purposes only, and their use must be pre-arranged with station staff (see our Motorboat Protocol for more information).

Building Emergencies

Electrical outages, heat source trouble, potential gas leaks, sewer and water issues are considered emergencies. Report a building emergency to any staff member or directly to the Facilities Lead (Eric Sather) by call or text at 218-308-0863 or at his residence (cabin 60) after hours.

All other building issues should be reported to your on-site lead or on the repair clipboard in the Assembly Hall (building 53) or Biome Center (building 75).

Power Outages

The internet and station phones will not be operable during a power outage.

During a power outage, please refrain from using water in cabins, classrooms, and bunkhouses. The power to the water supply for much of the station will shut down - sinks and toilets will not work. The only toilets and sinks that should be used are those in the two main bathhouses (Buildings 50 and 54 the station map). 

Labs and classrooms are for designated users only. Do not enter these spaces if you have not reserved them. They are not common spaces for general use.

Permitted users must follow all posted lab policies, even when they are not using the space for laboratory activities. Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited in all research or classroom laboratories, and occupants must wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Station users that are engaging in laboratory work for research or coursework must follow the IBSL Laboratory Safety Plan (or refer to safety binders in lab/classroom spaces for details).

EPA Insect Repellent Finder Tool

Prevent tick-borne diseases

• Use an EPA-registered repellent (e.g., DEET 20-30% and permethrin 0.5%) when in or near wooded, brushy, or grassy habitat.  Find the right repellent for you using the tool linked above.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks to prevent exposure.
• Treat field clothing with permethrin to repel ticks.
• Check for ticks at least once a day and remove them as soon as possible (see tick removal tips below). Private tick check stations with full length mirrors are located in the Biome Center, Building 43, lower Building 44, in the bathhouses and most faculty cabins.
• Tumble dry clothing and gear in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes (or at least 60 minutes if wet) to kill any blacklegged ticks remaining on your clothing.
• Watch yourself for symptoms of tickborne disease (e.g., rash, fever, fatigue, muscle or joint aches), especially within 30 days of being in tick habitat, and tell your doctor about your possible exposure to blacklegged ticks if you become sick.
   

Tick removal 101

• DO remove as quickly as possible.
• DO use tweezers or fingers to grab the head as close to the skin as possible.
• DO pull up gently and slowly.
• DO clean the bite area.

• DO NOT burn with a match.
• DO NOT cover with petroleum jelly.
• DO NOT pour kerosene on the tick.

Tick-borne disease transmission

Blacklegged ticks (aka deer ticks) in the Itasca State Park are vectors for several disease, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Tickborne-relapsing fever.

Blacklegged ticks are readily found in wooded and brushy habitat. The risk of getting bitten from a blacklegged tick is highest from May through July, when the small and hard-to-see, immature life stage (nymph) is most actively seeking hosts. Not all ticks are infected with a disease agent but a relatively high proportion of them are. While infection prevalence can vary from location to location and year to year, on average in our region approximately 1 in 3 adult blacklegged ticks and 1 in 4 nymphs are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Other disease agents are found at a lower infection prevalence, although roughly 1 in 10 ticks are coinfected with more than one disease agent so it is important to consider other tickborne diseases in addition to Lyme disease. 

American dog (wood) ticks commonly bite people and are found throughout Minnesota in grassy, more open habitat and woods. Two particular diseases, including tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, can be spread by this tick species so it is important for people to be aware of all tickborne diseases that are endemic here in Minnesota and prevent tick bites.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Health website to learn more about preventing tick-born diseases and view their informational videos.

The above information was made available through the Minnesota Department of Health annual blacklegged tick surveillance report conducted in Itasca State Park and the surrounding region.

The Itasca Station is located in the heart of black bear habitat, and bear encounters are not uncommon. Black bears are rarely aggressive and actual attacks are rare. Knowing how to behave when encountering bears and how rare bear attacks actually are can keep you safe and provide peace-of-mind.

• Prevention: Bears are attracted to food sources. Proper trash disposal is key to preventing the occurrence of problem bears. It is everyone at the station's responsibility that we not habituate bears or other wildlife to eating trash. Bears that are habituated may need to be euthanized. Don't leave trash out overnight. Trash should only be placed in outside receptacles according to the timeline detailed in our Station Policies in order to coordinate with our maintenance staff rounds.
• Responding: If you encounter a black bear, do not approach it. Do not panic. Stop what you are doing and evaluate the situation. Make your presence known by speaking firmly but in a calm tone. Don’t startle the bear. Alter your route or back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, do not run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it reacts. Running may startle the bear and trigger a chase response. In most cases, the bear will flee. If a bear follows you, act boldly: yell, raise your arms and throw things directly at it. If a black bear attacks or tries to make contact, fight for your life. Do not play dead. Kick, punch or hit the bear with whatever weapon is available. Concentrate on the face, eyes and nose.

Poison Ivy can cause severe rashes. Ask someone familiar with the area to point out this plant to you if you are in doubt (remember: “leaves of three, let it be”). Poison Ivy most commonly occurs in semi-disturbed areas such as trail and roadside edges. Exposure ointments and washes are available in the Biome Center Office and the Supply Room in lower 48.

Over-the-counter medications for minor ailments, basic first aid supplies, and poison ivy exposure wash/ointments are available in the Biome Center Office (Building 75).  AEDs are available in the Assembly Hall, the Biome Center foyer, and the lower foyer of Building 48. Individuals and groups leaving the station gounds must bring their own first aid supplies.

The speed limit on station roads is 10 MPH. Station roads are shared with pedestrians and wildlife. Drivers need to proceed with caution at all times.

The station tries to be as helpful as possible in maintaining safe and enjoyable conditions for families. However, the station cannot assume responsibility for the conduct and safety of children. There are numerous safety concerns with the waterfront, roadways, laboratories, and wilderness settings. Responsibility for the conduct, safety, and well-being of children at the station belongs to the parent(s).

Cell phone service in the state park is not reliable. Do not rely on your phone for communication or navigation when you are away from station buildings with wireless access. 

Use the “buddy system” whenever doing fieldwork or recreating in remote areas of the park. Before leaving the station, always let someone in your group know your plans: where you are going and when you expect to return. 

If you become lost, do not panic – S.T.O.P. (Stop, Think, Observe, Prepare). Stay in one place when possible, particularly at night, and make careful decisions based on your surroundings and available resources.

IBSL is committed to fostering research, education, and community engagement in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The IBSL Code of Conduct outlines expected behaviors for all station users and describes unacceptable behaviors, consequences for unacceptable behaviors, and reporting mechanisms. 

Sexual harassment or assault

The University of Minnesota is committed to taking prompt and effective steps intended to end sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and related retaliation, prevent their recurrence and, as appropriate, remedy their effects. Please refer to the UMN policy on sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking and relationship violence. 

Discrimination

All University members are prohibited from engaging in, or assisting or abetting another’s engagement in, discrimination and related retaliation. The University of Minnesota will take prompt and effective steps intended to end prohibited conduct; prevent its recurrence; and, as appropriate, remedy its effects. Please refer to the UMN policy on discrimination. 

In the event of an active threat/shooter situation, station users should follow the active shooter protocol outlined by the UMN Department of Public safety. The key points to remember are:

• Run:
  • Have a planned escape route
  • Leave your belongings behind
  • Keeps your hands visible
  • Run to a place of refuge beyond the norm
• Hide:
  • If running is not possible, hide
  • Lock and barricade doors; shut off lights
  • Remain silent and vigilant
  • Avoid huddling together
• Fight:
  • A last resort – fight only when in imminent danger
  • Use improvised weapons
  • Attempt to incapacitate the active threat
  • Work together if possible

Call 911 only if it is safe for you to do so, and provide details about your location, the threat’s location and physical description, weapons, and victims.

Once you reach a safe place, do not leave. Emergency responders need to account for everyone and will provide instructions to you.