Officials at Starved Rock State Park are beginning to re-open footpaths that have been closed due to severe storm damage.

Reports indicate public access was granted last week on trails from the Starved Rock Visitor Center and Starved Rock Lodge to Wildcat Canyon.

Sgt. Hank Frazier of the Illinois Conservation Police says park officials are starting to write fewer tickets to hikers who go on closed trails since much of the park has opened up.

Crews are continuing to remove broken trees, limbs and branches from other areas within Starved Rock. A park ranger says work at the Riverside Picnic Area and Boat Launch should be completed next week.

Most of the steep terrain in the middle of the park remains closed.