Playa Survival - Hot Springs

Bottom line - Burning Man LLC has agreed with BLM that participants will not use the springs during the event as part of our permit. Concerns were raised during the permitting process that unfettered use by Burning Man participants would result in irreparable damage to the springs and the surrounding riparian areas.

Why is BLM Worried About Damage to the Sensitive Areas around the Hot Springs only During the Event?

The springs are little treasures in the wilderness and cannot handle but a few occasional people. Unlike commmercial pools built of concrete, the springs are surrounded by fragile structures. The sides and banks break down easily. With minimum responsible use, the soil that is washed away can naturally be replaced. Desert vegetation may be touch, but it grows slowly and cannot repair itself when traffic is extensive. The runoff from the springs can absorb the body oils, lotions and detergents from an occasional user, but heavy use would result in the runoff starting to resemble gutters found in third world counties both in smell and appearance.

Are There Impacts on Wildlife?
The springs are the only source of water for the local wildlife. For them, access to the springs is a matter of survival. Extensive or raucous human presence at the springs spook the wildlife and cause them to stay away from the springs for longer than their normal patterns.

What Other Concerns Does BLM Have?
There are no toilet facilities at the springs and most folks have to go to the bathroom once in awhile. Even if the spring users remember to bring a shovel with them to dig a cat hole - with a lot of users - folks could easily find themselves digging a hole in the same place that other person used yesterday. Most unpleasant!

People leave trash. Earth Guardians patrolling the springs are constantly picking up other people's trash. Even through Burning Man participants are exceptionally conscientious in this regard, if we are seen using the springs and somebody else leaves a mess, Burning Man will get the blame.

Note that there are opponents to Burning Man that are looking very hard for reasons to stop BLM from continuing to give Burning Man a permit. Some of these groups are watching the hot springs for impacts during the event. Keeping Burning Man's reputation clean is part of the reason that the Earth Guardians patrol the springs during the event.

What About Other Folks(non-Burning Man Participants) Using the Hot Springs ?
Note that the hot springs are public and they have not received a special designation or are on private land. For visitors that are not Burning Man participants, can use the hot springs Any Earth Guardians on patrol must understand that it is not appropriate to suggest that they leave the hot springs.
However, it is helpful to let anyone out there know why BM Earth Guardians are patrolling the areas.

When Can We Use the Hot Springs?
If you appreciate Burning man celebration and would like to see it continue, please do not use the springs during the event. However, you can come back and enjoy these very special places at another time. Although people become very upset when they witness something they love being abused, they love to share it when it is treated with respect.

Picture below from previous LNT Back Packing Trip