© 2024 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Apple's latest iOS (17.4) is preventing our livestreams from playing. We suggest you download the free Boise State Public Radio app & stream us there while we work to troubleshoot the issue.

BLM Announces Closure Of Popular Hot Spring Near Boise ... Again

Ben Amstutz
/
Flickr Creative Commons

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials have decided to reaffirm their previous decision to close a popular hot spring near Boise. The decision to close the hot spring for five years comes after failed attempts over the last year from citizen groups to keep Skinny Dipper Hot Spring open.

The site, which is located on a mountain facing the South Fork of the Payette River near Banks, was illegally built on BLM land in the 1990s. The federal agency first announced plans to dismantle it last May, but a group filed an appeal. Growing Change raised money and submitted a proposal for managing Skinny Dipper last summer, but it was rejected. Officials said at the time that the proposal failed to address environmental and health concerns.

In a press release, BLM Field Manager Tate Fischer says proposals to limit the area to daylight hours only did not address these concerns adequately, resulting in today's decision.

“We recognize that the hot springs are a popular recreational opportunity, and regret having to close the area,” said BLM Four Rivers Field Manager Tate Fischer. “Unfortunately, we have received repeated complaints from local law enforcement, area landowners and public health officials related to unsafe and illegal activity at the site. We are obligated to address these issues before considering future use of the hot springs.” -- BLM press release

The agency plans to remove the piping and trail leading to Skinny Dipper. Fischer says he's still willing to receive proposals for a special use permit that addresses the health and safety concerns.

Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill

Copyright 2016 Boise State Public Radio

 

Frankie Barnhill was the Senior Producer of Idaho Matters, Boise State Public Radio's daily show and podcast.

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.