Forest Service ignores public in Bagby changes

photo by Tom Colligan

**For information about Jan 18th Forest Service open house click here**

The Forest Service has begun a remodel of the Bagby Hot Springs without any public input, environmental assessment, or engagement by the hundreds of volunteers who have cared for the historic destination for decades.

Bark is calling for the Forest Service to hold a public meeting and comment period in the coming months before deconstruction of the remaining bathhouses occurs. Currently both group bathing areas have been rebuilt with the iconic log baths being removed and destroyed. The private baths remain, but with plans to replace those with baths rather than logs, as well.

The construction has been sped up in the interest of attracting a private company to begin running the hot springs for the first time. This future change will lead to a new user fee for the hot springs, as well as new restrictions.

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