BLM seeks public input on Skinny Dipper Hot Springs closure extension
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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management announced today it is seeking public input on a proposal to extend an existing closure of the Skinny Dipper Hot Springs, located about 5 miles west of Garden Valley.
An April 2015 environmental analysis concluded that the unauthorized construction of pools and piping systems, and the use it generated, resulted in natural resource damage and a public health and safety hazard. In June 2016, the BLM issued a 5-year area closure and removed the unauthorized piping. Soon afterward a natural rockslide filled the pools, making them largely unusable.
“Before the closure we received repeated complaints from local law enforcement, area landowners and public health officials related to unsafe and illegal activity at the site,” said Brent Ralston, BLM Four Rivers Field Manager. “With the potential for those same safety concerns to rise again, and with other authorized hot spring recreational opportunities in the area, we are reaching out to our partners and users while we consider extending the closure.”
Detailed information on the proposal can be found at https://go.usa.gov/x6xaM (case sensitive).
A public scoping period will run from June 4-18, 2021. The BLM will accept comments through the following means:
Email: BLM_ID_FourRiversOffice@blm.gov
Fax: 208-384-3326
Surface mail: BLM Four Rivers Field Office, 3948 Development Ave, Boise, ID 83705
The purpose of the scoping period is to obtain public input on relevant issues that may inform the BLM’s decision whether or not to extend the existing closure.
Before including their personal identifying information (address, email, phone number), commenters should be aware that the entire comment – including their personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While those commenting can ask in their comments to withhold this information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
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.