Weekend Storm Damage Closes Pillsbury State Forest

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Department of Natural Resources says that all roads and recreational facilities in Pillsbury State Forest in northern Minnesota are closed in the wake of severe weekend storms.

The storm system that rolled into the area near Brianerd Sunday night brought heavy rains and strong winds that toppled trees and damaged buildings.

The DNR says the downed trees have made the roads in Minnesota's first designated state forest impassable.

"The bulk of the damage occurred between Nisswa and Brainerd," said Steve Bartz, an assistant forest supervisor, in a statement. "There is significant blowdown in these areas."

He said forest staff will be flying over the area to assess the damage.

Once an assessment is made, the DNR will make a plan for clearing the roads and removing any hazardous trees from the forest.

In the meantime, the forest's roads and campsites are closed.