BLM to extend closure of Skinny Dipper Hot Springs to protect public health and safety
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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today it will extend the existing closure of Skinny Dipper Hot Springs, located about five miles west of Garden Valley, for an additional five years to protect public health and safety and prevent additional damage to natural resources.
The existing closure was implemented in June 2016 after an environmental analysis concluded that unauthorized construction of pools and piping systems and resulting use posed a public health and safety hazard and damaged natural resources. Prior to the closure, the BLM received repeated complaints from local law enforcement, area landowners and public health officials related to unsafe and illegal activity at the site. Soon after the closure, a natural rockslide filled the pools, making them largely unusable.
The BLM released a proposal to extend the existing closure in May for public comment. The agency will soon be publishing a notice to extend the existing closure in the Federal Register, as required.
“We appreciate all the input received from our local partners and public land users, the majority of which supported the closure extension,” said Brent Ralston, BLM Four Rivers Field Manager. “Extending the closure addresses the potential for public health and safety concerns to arise again, allows us the time to finish rehabilitating the access trail, and provides relief to local and county emergency resources.
Details regarding the closure extension are available at https://go.usa.gov/x6xaM (case sensitive).
For more information, contact the BLM Four Rivers Field Office at 208-384-3300.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.