Mar 20, 2024

Dear Commissioner Commissioner Zalak,

As representatives of the Salt Springs community, we believe that open communication and collaboration are essential for the successful management and preservation of our beloved Salt Springs Recreation Area.

In preparation for the upcoming meeting with the Forest Service, we have compiled a list of questions to address various aspects of the upcoming project.

We kindly request your assistance in conveying these inquiries to the Forest Service to facilitate productive discussions and ensure that our community’s concerns are adequately addressed.

Project Leadership:

1. Who is leading the project at Salt Springs on behalf of the Forest Service?

Project Management:

2. How many agencies are involved in decision-making about the Springs’ closure?
3. Are any private companies involved, and what are their roles?
4. Who oversees specific tasks like land work and restoration?

Communication Transparency:

Impact Consideration:

5. How could the Forest Service improve the engagement with the community regarding the closure?
6. What steps will be taken to inform the community, and how can communication channels be improved?

7. Can the Forest Service clarify the planned work and its impact on local residents, home owners and local businesses?

Community Involvement:

8. Can the Forest Service create opportunities for community volunteers to help enforce rules and monitor conditions?

Recreational Management:

9. How will activities like Bomb Range operations, Flyer Jets training, motor boating and jet skiing be managed, considering their heavy impact on the environment ?

Environmental Protection:

10. What measures will be taken to monitor and protect the Springs, especially during peak seasons and holidays? Perhaps creating limits during these days?

Transparency and Reporting:

11. Can the Forest Service provide reports or assessments used for decision-making, and how long does the assessment process typically take?
12. For how long will the Springs be closed for recreational use throughout 2025?

We appreciate your support in addressing these inquiries with the Forest Service on behalf of our community. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, we can work towards preserving the natural beauty and cultural significance of Salt Springs for generations to come.

Warm regards,

Friends of Salt Springs