Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Iowa: Several state parks impacted by recent heavy rains, flash flooding

 

Several state parks are experiencing impacts from the recent heavy rainfall forcing closures of the parks and many trails.

Currently, George Wyth State Park is completely closed due to flooding. The Cedar River is expected to crest midweek, likely causing flooding and cleanup throughout the weekend. DNR officials advise the trails are covered by water and should be avoided for possible washouts or sinkholes.

Other parks impacted by the flooding include:

  • Backbone State Park - north gate closed, trout stream bridges and areas near the river are closed off, trails are still open and campgrounds outside of gated area are open along with the south gates.
  • Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - trails are closed due to wet conditions
  • Lake of Three Fires - trails are closed due to wet conditions
  • Ledges - Canyon Road is closed
  • Stephens State Forest - equestrian trails are closed due to wet conditions
  • Volga River State Recreation Area - equestrian trails are closed due to wet conditions
  • Yellow River State Forest - the equestrian trails, Little Paint campground, Frontier equestrian campground, and Creekside equestrian campground are closed due to flooding

For a complete list of park closures or impacts, visit www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures.

Media Contact: Alex Murphy, Director of Communications, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, (515) 729-7533 or Alex.Murphy@dnr.iowa.gov.