Watch CBS News

Ice Storm Damages, Closes Blue Mounds State Park

LUVERNE, Minn. (AP) — Ice storm damage in southwestern Minnesota has led to the closure of the campground at Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne through April 21.

Park Manager Craig Beckman says freezing rain and strong winds have taken down numerous trees and branches in the campground.

No campers were in the park during the storm and no injuries occurred.

Once it's safe for park staff to enter the campground area, they'll begin cleaning up and assessing standing trees for potential hazards. Other areas of the park will remain open.

The park is home to a herd of about 75 bison. Beckman says the herd is faring well through the storm. Their thick winter coats and protective fat insulate them, while their powerful heads act as snowplows to help them reach prairie grass.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.