ROCHESTER – Minnewaska State Park Preserve issued a press release earlier this week announcing the temporary closure of the preserve due to "dangerous icy conditions." The statement said that the park will remain closed until further notice.

A rain event several weeks ago, followed by a rapid freeze, has led to a significant accumulation of ice, according to preserve manager Eric Humphrey.

"The rain turned many areas into a sheet of ice," Humphrey said.

The park will reopen, according to Humphrey, if there is a significant thaw, or if there is enough snow to cover the ice.

"Right now you need ice cleats to move around," he said.

It is not unusual for the preserve to close for at least some portion of the winter, according to Humphrey. The preserve will issue a press release announcing the reopening of the park just as soon as conditions allow this, Humphrey said.