Flooding in southeast Minnesota closes state park, trails
(FOX 9) - Flooding in southeastern Minnesota has impacted state parks and trails ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.
Flooding impacts state parks, trails
What we know:
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a Minnesota state park is closed after heavy rains brought flooding to the southeastern part of the state. A portion of another park is also closed.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is currently closed due to floodwaters obstructing park roads and a damaged bridge.
At Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, the Mystery Cave Unit is closed, and cave tours are canceled. The Forestville side of the park and its campgrounds are not affected by flooding and are currently open.
The DNR advises no travel on the Root River State Trail due to flooding causing washouts and mudslides. The damage hasn't been fully assessed, and visitors are asked to check for posted safety signs.
All trails in Snake Creek and Trout Valley Recreation Areas in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest are closed.
For more information, click here.
What they're saying:
"The safety of park visitors and staff is our number one priority," said Ann Pierce, director of DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. "We know Minnesotans value the recreation opportunities that state parks and trails provide, and we will reopen closed areas as soon as it’s safe to do so."
What we don't know:
It is not known when the parks and trails will open again.
The Source: A press release from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.