A California hot spring in Sequoia National Forest beloved by those who use it for what they claim are ‘healing minerals’ is being forced to closed after a body was found floating in water.
The Forest Service confirmed that a body was discovered at Miracle Hot Springs in one of the tubs on February 17.
It was the second time in the past 18 months that deaths have been reported in the same area after a body was found on October 17, 2022.
The victims have not been identified but it has the Forest Service taking extra precaution, despite the protestations of those who run the springs, who have promised a protest of ‘civil disobedience.’
‘With a second death that can be attributed in part to the hot springs, the area will remain closed until a sustainable long-term solution is reached,’ said District Ranger Al Watson.
A California hot spring in Sequoia National Forest beloved by those who use it for what they claim are ‘healing minerals’ is being forced to closed after a body was found floating in water
Officials had previously dismantled the tubs after the 2022 death, but they had been rebuilt without any approval from officials.
Winter and spring flooding on the Kern River where the springs are located made the area inaccessible until river levers dropped.
The closure will ban access to the springs, tubs and everything else in the general area, located at an elevation of 2,300 feet in the forest about 150 miles north of Los Angeles.
The non-profit that runs the springs has been lobbying to keep them open, citing the six mineral compounds that help in ‘healing our mind and bodies.’
They claim their mission is ‘to restore and steward the historical and healing Miracle Hot Springs. Connecting our community through inspiring experiences in nature that improve livability, health, and wellbeing.’
‘The closure of natural spaces, particularly one as innocuous as a hot spring on lands that are ostensibly public, represents an infringement on our right to enjoy nature without causing harm or creating victims,’ they wrote in a Facebook post released Tuesday.
They noted that while there were dangers in using the springs, it should not prevent people from being healed.
The Forest Service confirmed that a body was discovered at Miracle Hot Springs in one of the tubs on February 17
It was the second time in the past 18 months that deaths have been reported in the same area after a body was found on October 17, 2022
Officials had previously dismantled the tubs after the 2022 death but they had been rebuilt without any approval from officials
‘Risk is an inherent part of life and liberty. Individuals assess and assume risk in every aspect of daily living, from walking across a room to engaging in recreational activities. The possibility of injury or death in a natural setting does not justify the wholesale closure of public lands,’ they wrote.
‘WE WILL NOT COMPLY! The irony is palpable,’ they added.
‘In your claim to protect, the only victims are those created by your enforcement actions. The logic is fundamentally flawed and exposes a disturbing willingness to harm those you purport to safeguard. This isn’t protection; it’s an imposition of will by force, a clear violation of the principles of freedom and self-determination.’
Sandy Flat Campground, located just nearby the hot springs, will remain open according to officials.