A hunting area at Pere Marquette State Park has reopened after a wildfire that involved nearly 1,500 acres last month.

Officials said Monday that the fire may have done some good by burning away invasive non-native plants and clearing the area for trees like oak and hickory.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

It began Nov. 17 and triggered responses from a half-dozen departments and fire protection units. They got it under control the next day, but it was rekindled and spread by high winds. Rain a few days later doused the fire, which didn't damage any buildings or injure anyone.

The Illinois state park is located along the Mississippi River north of St. Louis.