La Salle recreation area being evacuated and closed, visitors discouraged at Itasca State Park

HUBBARD COUNTY - The state has closed La Salle Lake State Recreation Area in northwestern Hubbard County due to severe storm damage and campers are being evacuated.

In addition, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resourcs also is discouraging visitors to Itasca State Park. The DNR asks people not to visit the park until crews clean up downed trees from Monday night's storms.

High winds toppled many trees and blocked roads in both locations, according to the DNR. There was some damage to cabins, cars and camping equipment, but no injuries have been reported.

Crews are still assessing the impact of the storms on state trails and state forests in the area.

Reservations have been canceled and full refunds have been issued at La Salle Lake SRA through July 11. The park will remain closed until further notice.

Itasca State Park expects to be able to honor all existing camping and lodging reservations.

For updates on park and trail conditions, visit www.mndnr.gov or call the DNR Information Center at (888) 646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. As soon as possible, the DNR will post photos of storm damage on its website and share them via Facebook (Minnesota State Parks and Trails) and Twitter (@mnstateparks).