Department of Natural Resource leaders met Wednesday to create a plan to reopen damaged trails and facilities in McCormick’s Creek State Park.
There are more than 1,000 downed and damaged trees in the park following the March 31 tornado that struck the campground area and killed two people.
More than five hundred people have filled out an online form to volunteer to assist with recovery, according to park officials.
However, Indiana State Parks Deputy Director for Stewardship Ginger Murphy said hanging branches in the area are creating conditions too dangerous to bring in volunteers.
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“Our first priority is safety,” she said. “So, as we're figuring out how we're going to manage that effort to take care of all of those trees that are down, that's a big part of what we need to do first before volunteers can really come in.”
DNR leaders with expertise in natural resources management, historic preservation, forestry, engineering, finance, communications and operations met at Canyon Inn to identify areas needing attention.
Murphy said some of the areas identified included doing roof work at some of the camps, replacing facilities and restrooms in the campground and clearing several damaged trails.
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“All of those pieces will come together over time, but this is going to be a long process,” Murphy said.
There are still multiple closures throughout the park including the campground, Beech Grove Shelter and Friendly Recreation Building, the Statehouse Quarry trail, Wolf Creek Nature Preserve trail and parts of Canyon Rim and the waterfall trails.
The park is posting updates to the status of these closures on their Facebook page.