PRAIRIE CITY, Iowa — Public facilities at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge are closed until further notice due to "severe storm damage," the site announced.
All public programs are canceled as a result of the closure, including the upcoming Bison Day and all other August and September programs.
A representative for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a press release that the visitor center sustained "extensive damage."
"While we are relieved to report that no injuries were caused by the storm, refuge facilities were greatly damaged by hail and rain," the press release adds.
Walking trails and the five-mile Prairie Wildlife Drive auto tour remain open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Staff members are at the refuge Thursday morning to assess the damage.
The storm also affected the refuge's phone lines. Anyone who wishes to contact the refuge can email nealsmith@fws.gov.