- 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 last 18 months that deaths were reported in the same area after a body was found on October 17, 2022.
- The victims have not been identified, but the Forest Service is taking extra precautions.
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A California hot spring in the Sequoia National Forest, beloved by those who use it for what they claim to be “healing minerals,” is forced to close after a body was found floating in the water.
The Forest Service confirmed that a body was discovered at Miracle Hot Springs in one of the bathtubs on February 17.
It was the second time in the last 18 months that deaths were reported in the same area after a body was found on October 17, 2022.
The victims have not been identified, but the Forest Service has taken extra precautions, despite protests from those who run the springs, who have promised a “civil disobedience” protest.
“With a second death that can be attributed in part to the hot springs, the area will remain closed until a long-term sustainable solution is reached,” said District Ranger Al Watson.
A California hot spring in the Sequoia National Forest, beloved by those who use it for what they claim are “healing minerals,” is forced to close after a body was found floating in the water.
Officials had previously dismantled the bathtubs after 2022’s death, but they had been rebuilt without officials’ approval.
Winter and spring flooding on the Kern River, where the springs are located, made the area inaccessible until river levels dropped.
The closure will prohibit access to 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 nonprofit that manages the springs has been pushing to keep them open, citing the six mineral compounds that help “heal our minds and our bodies.”
They state their mission is to “restore and steward the historic and healing Miracle Hot Springs.” Connecting our community through inspiring experiences in nature that improve livability, health and well-being.’
“The closure of natural spaces, particularly one as innocuous as a hot spring on ostensibly public lands, represents an infringement on our right to enjoy nature without causing harm or creating victims,” they wrote. in a Facebook post released on Tuesday.
They noted that while there were dangers in using the springs, it should not prevent people from healing.
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 last 18 months that deaths were reported in the same area after a body was found on October 17, 2022.
Officials had previously dismantled the bathtubs after 2022’s death, but they were rebuilt without officials’ approval.
‘Risk is an inherent part of life and freedom. People evaluate and take risks in all aspects of daily life, from walking across a room to participating in recreational activities. “The possibility of injury or death in a natural environment does not justify the complete closure of public lands,” they wrote.
‘WE WILL NOT COMPLY! The irony is palpable,’ they added.
‘In their claim for protection, the only victims are those created by their coercive actions. The logic is fundamentally flawed and exposes a disturbing desire to harm those it purports to safeguard. This is not protection; It is an imposition of the will by force, a clear violation of the principles of freedom and self-determination.’
Sandy Flat Campground, located near the hot springs, will remain open according to officials.