Closure isn't the only option

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - A popular Idaho hot springs won't close without a fight.

The Bureau of Land Management announced Monday that it plans to shut down Skinny Dipper Hot Springs for five years at the end of May. BLM officials cite public safety and unauthorized use of the land as two major concerns with the area, which has become a popular spot for recreationalists.

Britton Valle, of Meridian, says he spends several days a week soaking in the pools at Skinny Dipper.

"It just feels healing, rejuvenating," he said. "The scenery is just breathtaking. There's a waterfall that falls into it, you can see the river on the hike up. It's gorgeous."

Valle says he was shocked to hear that BLM officials wanted to shut down the hot springs.

"The hot springs is a very important part of my life," he said. "What I equate it to essentially is that a best friend is dying, and that you only have so many days with that friend."

Valle says he doesn't want to see Skinny Dipper Hot Springs close without a fight. His weapon of choice? Social media.

He created a Facebook page, "Save Skinny Dipper Hot Springs" on Monday night. The community has started to rally around the cause, and as of Wednesday evening, the page had around 3,500 likes.

"I wasn't expecting that," said Valle. "When I saw it, it was like 'Okay, cool, this is catching on."

The goal is to get people together to brainstorm other solutions. The BLM is welcoming any alternatives with open arms.

Tate Fischer, a spokesman for BLM, tells KBOI 2News it was never his intention to shut down the hot springs.

"I'm very excited about the response from the public," he said. "I'm willing to work with folks on a resolution that's a win-win."

The best solution, Fischer said, would be to create a special use permit. Essentially, a person or group of people would make an agreement with the Bureau of Land Management on how the hot springs is to be maintained. That group would step in to manage the hot springs.

As of Wednesday evening, Fischer said nobody had applied for one of these special permits. He tells KBOI 2News that the responsible party would be in charge of maintaining the hot springs, and must have proof of insurance. The deadline for any special use permit applications is May 28.

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