Tunnel Hill State Trail Remains Closed Due to Ice Storm Damage

February 11th storm did significant damage to trees along 45-mile trail
 

VIENNA, IL - The Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois remains closed due to tree damage caused by the ice storm that struck the region earlier this month.

The ice storm on Feb. 11 resulted in significant damage to trees along the entire length of the 45-mile Tunnel Hill Trail between Harrisburg and Karnack. Illinois Department of Natural Resources personnel have found downed limbs and whole trees damaged along all sections of the trail, posing potential hazards since many of the trees have broken limbs still hanging above ground. Other trees on and near the trail have been downed or are leaning because of saturated soil conditions.

While crews are working to remove the damaged limbs and trees, the only section of the Tunnel Hill Trail currently open for public use is from the Karnak access area to the Cache River Wetlands Center. Additional sections of the trail will reopen as IDNR crews are able to inventory tree damage and remove potentially hazardous trees. As always, trail visitors should use caution at all times at IDNR sites.

For more information regarding the cleanup status and plans for the reopening of sections of the Tunnel Hill State Trail, call the trail headquarters at 618/658-2168 or check the Tunnel Hill State Trail page on the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/
PARKS/R5/tunnel.htm.

In addition, Trail of Tears State Forest in Union County remains closed to due similar tree damage resulting from the storm.

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