A surge of visitors to Montecito Hot Springs near Santa Barbara has led to safety concerns, prompting the County to plan trail closures and parking restrictions on high fire danger days. The program, supported by Supervisor Roy Lee, aims to address the impacts of increased tourist traffic due to social media exposure. With an estimated 20 red flag warning days this year, officials are also working on enforcing regulations against illegal watershed modification to preserve the area. Similar problems have been noted at other natural soaking sites as well.
The surge in visitation to Montecito Hot Springs, primarily fueled by social media, poses safety and emergency response challenges, prompting trail closures on high fire risk days.
The pilot program proposes a system for parking restrictions and trail closures during red flag warnings, aiming to enhance safety in the area while addressing increased tourist traffic.
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