North Fork, Idaho – The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Hot Spot Program, will host clean-up service events open to the public on June 1-3 at Goldbug Hot Springs in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Salmon, Idaho.
The service events include trail maintenance and restoration volunteer service that are open to the public. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty while learning how to maintain and restore trails using sustainable trail maintenance techniques taught by experienced trail experts Kristen Mrozowski and Tim Malzahn.
Volunteers should bring sturdy work shoes, pants, work gloves, sunscreen, water and their own lunch to eat on the trail. The SCA will provide hard hats, snacks and gear giveaways.
The public can also get involved by stopping by the Leave No Trace booth at the Lemhi County Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. – p.m. on Saturday, June 1, to learn more about Leave No Trace principles and how they can be applied to outdoor activities. The market is located at Veterans Memorial Park in Salmon, Idaho.
Goldbug Hot Springs has long been a popular location for locals and tourists due to its beautiful scenery and natural thermal pools. A 2.5-mile hike of moderate difficulty reveals some of the most stunning natural hot springs found in North America.
As the area has grown in popularity, so have issues from recreation activities, including an increase in human and pet waste, water impacts, trail erosion, illegal camping and safety concerns from a lack of available parking. The Hot Spot Program identifies public lands suffering from severe human-related impacts from heavy use. Each location receives a unique, site-specific blend of programs aimed at a healthy and sustainable recovery.
“At the SCA, our mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities we serve by engaging young people through hands-on service projects,” said Tim Carroll, Program Director for the SCA Idaho AmeriCorps Program. “We are answering the call for help at Goldbug Hot Springs to ensure these natural wonders are available for generations to come while encouraging the public to assist with protecting them.”
The SCA is a national non-profit changing lives through hands-on conservation work in the outdoors. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country, including Salmon-Challis National Forest. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
Last year, the SCA engaged more than 2,000 youth and young adults across the country through hands-on environmental conservation programs who collectively provided nearly 1 million hours of service at federal, state, and local parks and natural areas.
The Leave No Trace Hot Spot Program at Goldbug Hot Springs will take place May 31-June 4. The event will begin with a stakeholder meeting to discuss challenges, impacts, and possible solutions and includes a site tour with Leave No Trace staff. The remaining days are for service events, including restoration projects, educational events and more.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Goldbug Hot Springs Clean-Up Service Events
When: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. June 1-3
Where: Meet at the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead on Warm Springs Road
