Nature is the best protector in the Deep Creek Canyon. Rugged and remote, the difficult access protects the Arroyo toad that inhabits the area. The USFS has taken steps by eliminating cattle grazing within USFS lands. A real threat is the Round Mountain grazing allotment administered by the BLM nearby in Juniper Flats. Cattle make a beeline to the waters of Deep Creek and make a mucky mess along the river, destroying critical streambank habitat.
The limited human use around Deep Creek Hot Springs has very little effect upon the toad population there in my opinion. By adhering to USFS regulations restricting camping and fires, the public can help protect their access to this unique oasis that is special to the readers of this website.