1500-2015-1
Page 1 of 13
FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
SUPERIOR NF (REGION 9)
DULUTH, MN
FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
Supplement No.: 1500-2015-1
Effective Date: March 12, 2015
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: BRENDA HALTER
Forest Supervisor
Date Approved: March 12, 2015
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and calendar year.
Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain this transmittal as
the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this Handbook was 1500-2001-1 to 1590.
New Document
Superseded Document(s)
(Supplement Number and
Effective Date)
R9 Superior 1599.03-1599.04e
Supplement No. 1- March 2015
R9 Superior 1599.03-1599.04e
Supplement No. 1 – 11/2001
13 Pages
8 Pages
Digest: 1599.03 – Policy. - #4. Reference R9 Superior Partnership Council agreement - Emergency Fire,
Rescue, Medical or Protective Work Agreement, included as Exhibit 2.
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
1500-2015-1
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
1599 - SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS. The Superior National Forest recognizes its public
(FSM1599) duty to render assistance to the public under certain emergency conditions within the Forest
boundary. In the State of Minnesota, County Sheriffs have the primary responsibility for search and rescue
(S&R) in their respective areas. The purpose of this supplement is to clarify S&R responsibilities of Forest
Officers (means an employee of the Forest Service 36 CFR 261.2-Definitions), and establish a uniform process.
1599.02 - Objective.
Seriously ill or injured is defined as a case where immediate services of a doctor or hospital are required to save
life, prevent permanent damage or injury, and reduce suffering. Assistance means getting people to the nearest
point where they can be transferred to interested parties or local authorities.
1599.03 – Policy. The role of the Forest Service in S&R is one of developing and supporting strong local
leadership. This requires maintaining liaison with the County Sheriff departments. The Forest Service may
temporarily take the lead role where quick response is needed; however, the lead role will be maintained only
until local responsible authorities are available to take over leadership. The Forest Service shall then revert to a
supportive role and provide assistance; i.e., radios, maps, boats, airplanes, supplies and technical specialists.
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
1500-2015-1
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
When the Forest Service has assumed a supportive role:
3.
4.
Contract aircraft will be released to the responsible agency; and that agency shall become
responsible for payment.
Forest Service aircraft may be provided to the responsible agency.
5.
Forest Service personnel needed to provide coordination, planning and leadership to the responsible
agency will be paid by the Forest Service.
6.
Authorized employees (those employees that are members of established S&R units and have an
approved request to participate in an outside activity on file) may be excused from work without
charge to leave, to participate in a civilian capacity in S&R activities during official working hours.
Authorization of administrative leave for volunteer work is granted for no more than 20 hours of
excused absence per calendar year. Any individual meeting the 20-hour limitation may be granted
additional time, per the supervisor's authorization, on a case-by-case basis.
a.
Administrative leave will be granted by the employee's immediate supervisor, appropriate
line officer or team leader.
b.
Administrative leave used for this purpose will be documented on the individual's time sheet.
c.
Reference R9 Superior Partnership Council agreement - Emergency Fire, Rescue, Medical or
Protective Work Agreement, attached as Exhibit 2.
7.
Employees who are not members of an S&R team, who volunteer to take part in the incident during
their regular work tours, will be placed on annual leave or leave without pay.
8.
Employees involved with an S&R incident (under Forest Service leadership) that is delegated to the
sheriff will be carried in work status with pay for the remainder of the work shift, if the sheriff
requests that they continue.
9.
No overtime will be paid unless the Forest Service has the lead role.
When
When the Forest Service is not directly involved in any part of the S&R operation, and/or the S&R operation is
taking place outside the Forest Proclamation Boundary, item 4 above will be applicable.
The Superior National Forest Search & Rescue Plan is attached as Exhibit 1.
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
1599.04 - Responsibility.
1599.04d - Forest Supervisor. The Forest Supervisor shall provide guidance on S&R. The Fire Management
Officer is delegated staff leadership and coordination responsibilities on the Superior National Forest for S&R.
Duties include:
1. FSM 2326.04c delegates authority to the Forest Supervisor to allow the use of motorized equipment
and mechanical transportation when emergency conditions exist which involve the health and safety of
people.
2. Serving as Superior National Forest coordinator on major S&R, or other emergency operations on the
Forest.
3. Keeping Superior National Forest personnel and the Regional Office informed on S&R operations.
4. The Superior National Forest (SNF) Law Enforcement Officers (LEO’s) or their acting representative
to serve as liaison and coordination responsibilities on the (SNF) for S&R. The LEO will serve as
Liaison between the County and Forest Service Dispatch Center.
5. Representing the Forest Supervisor at meetings with other agencies involving S&R.
6. Scheduling annual meetings with County Sheriffs.
1599.04e - District Rangers. District Rangers are responsible for conducting S&R activities on their Ranger
District within the guidelines of this supplement.
Duties include:
1. Reviewing the S&R plan with district personnel.
2. Analyzing facts on S&R requests, and taking action according to the flow chart provided as
Appendix B to Exhibit 1.
3. Notifying Forest Dispatcher and LEO of S&R operations.
4. Developing a report after S&R operations are completed.
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
1500-2015-1
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
1599.04 – Exhibit 01
SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST SEARCH AND RESCUE PLAN
1. OPERATIONS
District Rangers, their representatives or any other Forest Officer should take immediate action if they are
present at the scene of an emergency, or are otherwise able to prevent injury or protect property before arrival of
local authorities. Each Forest Officer must evaluate the situation in terms of:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Urgency (how fast is action needed?)
Responsibility (which agency has primary responsibility?)
Seriousness (what would happen without action?)
Forest Officer's own ability (how can he/she help?)
In many cases, the Forest Officer will merely notify the District Ranger, Forest Dispatcher, or LEO. In other
cases, they may be able to resolve the emergency alone (give directions to a lost person, help someone with a
painful ankle to cross a portage, or drive an injured person from a remote work site to the nearest medical
facility).
In some cases, the Forest Officer may need to organize or direct the initial action before the District Ranger,
Forest Dispatcher, LEO or County Sheriff can be contacted, or retain leadership of the effort when the entire
operation is properly a Forest Service responsibility. In cases where leadership passes to the Sheriff, the Forest
Service will continue to provide assistance according to existing cooperative agreements and the guidelines
given in this supplement. The flow chart attached as Appendix B to Exhibit 1 will help District Rangers select
the appropriate course of action and develop any additional instructions for their subordinates.
The Search and Rescue Incident Form (Appendix A: Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher, North Eastern
Minnesota Plan, Forms Section 5c) will be utilized to record the necessary information to be relayed to the
appropriate authorities, and to maintain a record of the incident. (Maintain an adequate supply of copies of this
form in an easily accessible location in the district office.)
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
1599.04 – Exhibit 01--Continued
Aircraft for S&R will be requested through the Forest Dispatcher. They will coordinate flight-following
guidelines. Use the Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher Form (Appendix A), to provide as much
information as possible.
In summary, each Forest Service employee has a duty to lend assistance to people in need within the Forest
boundaries and within the limitations of their training. Each employee must evaluate each situation, and act
according to written guidelines and common sense.
2. SEARCH AND RESCUE WITHIN THE BWCAW
Some search and rescue (S&R) operations within the BWCAW will require the use of motorized vehicles (boats
or aircraft). FSM 2326.04 delegates authority to the Forest Supervisor to allow the use of motorized equipment
and mechanical transport when emergency conditions exist which involve the health and safety of people.
Airplanes, motorboats and snowmobiles will generally be authorized:
1.
To remove seriously injured or an ill person from the BWCAW (seriously injured or ill is defined
as persons needing the immediate services of a doctor or hospital care).
2.
To remove deceased persons.
Persons empowered to authorize the use of motorized transport in the wilderness will consider:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Urgency of the situation
If several alternatives are available, which one will have the least impact on the wilderness.
Which method of transportation will have the least impact on users.
Cost, an important consideration outside the wilderness, is not one of the primary criteria in the
BWCAW.
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
1599.04 – Exhibit 01--Continued
The Forest Supervisor maintains the authority to approve the use of motorized equipment or mechanical
transport. If the Forest Supervisor is not available, the following individuals are authorized to approve
motorized use with the guidelines of this document. Approval should be sought in the following order:
1.
Forest Supervisor
2.
Deputy Forest Supervisor
3.
District Ranger
4.
Forest Fire Management Officer
All authorizations will be documented in writing, and attached to the final report.
BWCAW Entry/Flight Request; North Eastern Minnesota Search and Rescue Plan, Forms Appendix 6-4.k.
3.
COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES
Nearly every emergency situation requires involvement of other agencies. Search and rescue (S&R) is only one
of them (wind, snow, fire, flood or civil disturbances are other possible emergencies requiring multi-agency
participation). Agencies, which can be called upon to participate, and their most likely role in an emergency
occurring in the Superior National Forest, are listed in Appendix C, "Contact List"; North Eastern Minnesota
Search and Rescue Plan, Appendix 1.a.
The Forest's Fire Management Officer will maintain contact with these agencies and update the list annually.
The Fire Management Officer will also arrange for annual coordination meetings with the Sheriff's Departments
of Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties. Meetings with other agencies may also be arranged when considered
necessary.
4.
LIST OF APPENDICES
A.
B.
C.
Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher
Flow Chart for Search and Rescue Actions
Contact List North Eastern Minnesota Interagency SAR Plan-Appendix 1.A
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
Exhibit 2
SUPERIOR PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL
Emergency Fire, Rescue, Medical or Protective Work Agreement
In the interest of public welfare, authorized employees shall request and may be excused from work without charge to
leave to participate in a civilian capacity in emergency medical, rescue, fire or protective work during official working
hours. Authorization of administrative leave for volunteer work is granted for as many as 20 hours of excused absence
per calendar year. Any individual meeting the 20-hour limitation may be granted additional time, per supervisor’s
authorization, on a case-by-case basis.
The employee’s immediate supervisor, appropriate line officer or team leader will grant administrative leave to the
employee.
Administrative leave used for this purpose will be documented on the individual’s time sheet.
Employees who are authorized must be members of volunteer fire, rescue, first responder or ambulance services.
Employees serving in this capacity shall have an outside activity authorization on file. Emergency situations include, but
are not limited to, fires, medical emergencies, emergency rescues, floods or other natural phenomena.
Administrative leave shall be granted to employees who respond to an emergency, and who are operating as a volunteer in
a non-wage status.
This agreement constitutes a subordinate agreement to the Master Agreement dated October 25, 2010 and will be
reviewed when a new Master Agreement becomes effective.
This policy is subject to review two (2) years after the date of implementation.
This agreement entered into this 1st day of July 1996.
/s/Clyde Thompson
CLYDE THOMPSON
Acting Forest Supervisor
/s/Therese Elverum for
FRANK E. LEONI
President, NFFE Local 2138
This agreement was reviewed and updated on August 30, 2001, by:
/s/ James W. Sanders
JAMES W. SANDERS
Forest Supervisor
/s/ Frank E. Leoni
FRANK E. LEONI
President, NFFE Local 2138
This agreement was reviewed and updated on February 19, 2015 by:
/s/ Chip Weber__________
CHIP WEBER
Acting Forest Supervisor
/s/ Jim Bertelsen___________
JIM BERTELSEN
President, NFFE Local 2138
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
1500-2015-1
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
APPENDICES A
Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher
MISSING PERSON
QUESTIONNAIRE,
DISPATCHER
SUBJECT # ______ of ______
NOTE: TRY TO OBTAIN
BOLDFACE ITEMS.
NON-BOLD ARE “BONUS”
(WE’LL GET THEM LATER.)
DATE PREPARED:
PAGE 1 OF 2
TIME PREPARED:
INTERVIEWED BY:
ICR #
REPORTING PARTY & WITNESS INFORMATION
FIRST NAME:
ADDRESS:
MIDDLE NAME:
CITY:
LAST NAME:
STATE/PROVINCE:
DATE OF BIRTH (DOB):
PHONE: (CELL?) (IS HE (SHE) CARRYING IT?)
RELATIONSHIP TO SUBJECT:
ALTERNATE PHONE:
ZIP:
MISSING SUBJECT INFORMATION
FIRST NAME:
ADDRESS:
MIDDLE NAME:
CITY:
LAST NAME:
STATE/PROVINCE:
NICKNAME / “ANSWERS TO”:
PHONE:
DATE OF BIRTH (DOB):
GENDER:
MALE
FEMALE
AGE:
HEIGHT:
IS PHOTO AVAILABLE? Y N
WEIGHT:
EYES:
ZIP:

(CHECK WHEN OBTAINED)
HAIR COLOR:
COMPLEXION:
HAIRSTYLE / LENGTH:
TATTOOS / SCARS / BIRTHMARKS:
DOES SUBJECT HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR
DISABILITIES? (DESCRIBE)
WILDERNESS KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:
MEDICATIONS REQUIRED / TAKEN:
HOW OBTAINED? (MILITARY / SCOUTS / OUTDOOR SCHOOL)
IS SUBJECT CARRYING NEEDED MEDS?
“PLEASE SECURE AND STAY AWAY FROM THE SUBJECT’S VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY INSIDE AND
AROUND THE DOORS. SEARCHERS WILL NEED TO GET TRACK AND SCENT SAMPLES.”
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
MAKE:
YEAR:
COLOR / ACCENT COLOR:
MODEL:
LENGTH (BOAT):
MOTOR TYPE / HP (BOAT):
LICENSE #:
SAR-302 C
St. Louis County Rescue, 3/09
DESCRIPTION OF TRAILER OR OTHER ATTACHMENT:
NOTE: TRY TO OBTAIN THE BOLDFACE INFORMATION ITEMS. LISTEN CAREFULLY FOR
AND DOCUMENT NON-BOLD AS “BONUS” INTEL. (WE’LL ASK AGAIN LATER, THOUGH!)
MISSING PERSON QUESTIONNAIRE, DISPATCHER
PAGE 2 OF 2
CLOTHING / EQUIPMENT
SHOE TYPE:
SHOE SIZE:
COLOR:
IS TRACK SAMPLE AVAILABLE?
Y
SHOE SOLE DESCRIPTION:
PANTS (TYPE / COLOR):
SOCKS (TYPE / COLOR):
SHIRT (TYPE / COLOR):
SWEATER / SWEATSHIRT:
JACKET (TYPE / COLOR):
RAINGEAR (TYPE / COLOR):
HAT (TYPE / COLOR):
GLOVES / MITTS (TYPE / COLOR):
WEAPON (TYPE / MAKE / CALIBER):
AMMUNITION (TYPE / AMOUNT CARRIED):
PACK (TYPE / MAKE / COLOR)
OTHER (TENT / STOVE / SLEEPING BAG, ETC.):
(CIRCLE ALL CARRIED): COMPASS MATCHES GPS TARP/SHELTER ROPE/CORD FLASHLIGHT CELL PHONE (NUMBER?)
LIQUIDS CARRIED (WATER, SODA, COFFEE, ALCOHOL):
FOOD / SNACKS CARRIED (CANDY? WHICH BRAND?)
N
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
POINT LAST SEEN (PLS) / LAST KNOWN POSITION (LKP)
DATE / TIME LAST SEEN:
BY WHOM?
POINT LAST SEEN (PLS): (DESCRIBE LOCATION, ADDRESS, ETC.)
“WHERE EXACTLY DID SOMEONE SEE HIM (HER)? CAN YOU SECURE THAT SPOT FOR US SO NOBODY GOES THERE?”
LAST KNOWN POSITION (LKP) (GPS COORDINATES):
WHAT EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE LKP? (TRACKS, GEAR / CLOTHING FOUND, RADAR PLOT, ETC.)
LOCATION OF PARKED VEHICLE (IF APPLICABLE):
KNOWN TRAILHEAD / START POINT:
“WHAT WAS HIS (HER) PLANNED ROUTE, STATED INTENTIONS, PLANNED EXIT, THINGS LIKE THAT?”
REMARKS, OTHER PERTINENT DATA
“IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF THAT MIGHT HELP US?”
SAR-302 C
St. Louis County Rescue, 3/09
APPENDICES B
Flow Chart – Search & Rescue Incidents
The concept of closest forces must be used and the lead role maintained only until the predetermined local responsible authority is
available to assume its leadership. (FSM 1599.03 & MN SAR Plan) Forest Service employees are to contact USFS Dispatch. Partners
involved will use the NIMS incident command system.
FS first on scene
Gather Pertinent Facts and request support
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
USFS Dispatch
Sheriff’s Department, LEO
District Ranger
Sheriff’s Department (Move towards Sheriff Mgmt. of Incident at earliest opportunity)
LEO
District Ranger
Patrol Captain
Forest Supervisor / Deputy Forest Supervisor
Missing Person Questionnaire
Single Resources, Crews, Equipment
FS Lead- FS employee missing
Keep Sheriff informed
R9 SUPERIOR SUPPLEMENT
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
APPENDICES C
Contact List North Eastern Minnesota Interagency SAR Plan-Appendix 1.A
Northeastern Minnesota Search and Rescue Agency Contacts – Updated 12/23/13
This information is classified as “For Official Use Only” (FOUO) and contains data that is privileged or confidential. It is to be disseminated only on a
need to know basis or with permission from the agencies listed.
Cook County Sheriff’s Office (dispatch)
Emergency Management, Jim Wiinanen
Captain, Search & Rescue, Willie Olin
218-387-3030
218-387-3059 wk 218-370-9660 cell
218-370-0315 cell
Lake County Sheriff’s Office (dispatch)
Emergency Management, BJ Kohlstedt
Rescue Coordinator, Justin Mayne
218-834-8385
218-226-4444 wk 218-220-7811 cell
218-353-7763 wk 218-226-8140 cell
St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office (dispatch)
Rescue Squad Captain, Tom Crossmon
218-727-8770 Duluth
218-749-6010 Virginia
218-723-1787 hm 218-349-8970 cell
Superior National Forest Dispatch Center:
218-327-4175 (24 hours) or 888-650-3392 toll free
Initial Attack Center Mgr, Tracy Fifarek
218-327-4176
928-853-7966 cell
Superior National Forest Supervisors Office:
218-626-4300
office
Brenda Halter, Forest Supervisor
218-626-4302 office
Chris Theisen, Forest Fire Mgt. Officer
218-327-4568 office
218-244-1081 cell
Sea Plane Base
218-365-7565
Kris Hancock, Patrol Captain
218-626-4309 office
414-232-4713 cell
Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts:
218-387-1750 GM office
218-663-8060 Tofte
Barry Huber, Law Enforcement Officer
414-708-5664 cell
Kawishiwi Ranger District:
218-365-7600 office
Brian Gierczic, Law Enforcement Officer
414-232-4878 cell
LaCroix Ranger District:
218-666-0020 office
Kevin Sheffer, Law Enforcement Officer
218-269-7343 cell
Laurentian Ranger District:
218-229-8801 office
Mike Doherty, Law Enforcement Officer
414-305-0910 cell
Tofte Ranger District:
218-663-8060 office
Barry Huber, Law Enforcement Officer
414-708-5664 cell
DNR Dispatch
/ State Patrol Dispatch
K200 Captain Tom Provost (Grand Rapids)
K30 Pilot Tom Pfingsten
K230 Lt Dan Thomasen
K231 (Ely West) Sean Williams
K232 (ELY East) Marty Stage
K233 (Grand Marais) Darin Fagerman
K234 (Hovland) Mary Manning
K235 (Silver Bay) Vacant
K236 (Babbitt) Anthony Bermel
K237 (Tofte) Tom Wahlstrom
K238 (Two Harbors) VACANT
US Border Patrol Dispatch
MN State Duty Officer
Duluth & Virginia Areas – 651-582-1455
218-999-7809
cell 218-689-0681
218-828-8149
cell 218-330-2401
218-834-1406
cell 218-380-0055
218-235-8747
cell 218-576-5905
218-365-4070
cell 218-290-0113
218-387-9751
cell 218-370-1717
218-475-0121
cell 218-380-0695
218-365-2436
800-982-4077
800-422-0798
(Appendix 1.a)
cell 218-290-4549
cell 218-370-0244
cell 218-360-1175