• Flowers And Plants
• GPS Marine Electronics
• canopies
• Night Vision Equipment

HOME

8/20/2007

Whitewater State Park and some southeastern Minnesota state trails closed due to flooding; streams and rivers dangerous

Whitewater State Park in Winona County of southeastern Minnesota is closed for overnight and day use until further notice due to flooding, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The State Parks Emergency Warning System was activated at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Whitewater State Park. All campers and other park users were successfully evacuated by state park staff. No personal injuries were reported at the park due to the flood event.

Flooding has done significant damage to the Root River State Trail. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the trail is closed until further notice. Also closed are the Southeast all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail, and the Snake Creek and Trout Valley ATV and off-highway motorcycle trails.

DNR officials urge people to stay away from flooded waterways, especially the Root River, Zumbro River, Whitewater River, Cannon River and Straight River. High water levels, rapid water flow, and debris make boating and canoeing routes in southeastern Minnesota extremely dangerous.

Since early Sunday, 18 DNR conservation officers have been assisting the local sheriffs' departments, fire departments and police departments with search and rescue efforts. Using three airboats and four other boats, they have rescued 40 to 60 people from rooftops and flooded homes. Conservation officers are now checking state forest campgrounds and other DNR facilities that have been flooded.

The DNR Web site has updates on the status of southeastern Minnesota state parks, state forest campgrounds, and state trails. The site also provides current climatological information. Go to www.mndnr.gov and click on the "Flooding Closures" button on the DNR home page. Information is also available from the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-