Congress of the United States House of Representatives, Washington, DC–
Dear Erica,
Thank you for contacting me regarding recent actions taken by US Forest Service (USFS) officials at Miracle Hot Springs in Kern County.
Like you, I share your concern about the unilateral action taken by USFS officials to destroy and then close the soaking tubs and pools at Miracle Hot Springs. I believe that if the Forest Service had concerns about Miracle Hot Springs – either regarding safety, access or trash – these should be discussed in collaboration with Hot Springs Angels, a volunteer group that has an agreement with the Forest Service to clean and maintain the soaking tubs and pools at this location. I submitted a request for additional information to the US Department of Agriculture, which includes the USFS, for clarifications on why the tubs and pools were destroyed, why there was no public input or opportunity for corrective action to be taken by interested stakeholders before the destruction occurred, and what the USFS plan is to restore and reopen Miracle Hot Springs and I am awaiting their response. As your Representative in Congress, be assured I have noted your comments regarding Miracle Hot Springs and will keep them in mind as I work towards reopening the area.
Thanks for contacting me on issues of importance to you.
Sincerely,
Kevin McCarthy
Member of Congress