Impartial, Speaking from the " exception " side :-) I would tend see this forum as being rather innocuous in regards to any agencies decisions on when and why they might choose to restrict, in some form, the nature of access to the springs. I think it would be accurate to say that the people involved with this forum represent a small fraction of the actual population that visits DCHS. I think the agencies will be responding to larger issues like excessive visitation, pressures from environmental groups, policy changes within the Forestry Dept. etc. I don't see any cohesive group ( including this forum ) with enough people putting out a compelling enough message to alter these inevitable actions by the agencies on the larger issues that will affect these springs we love. The increasing population in the local area will produce more people at the springs over time. The internet has also brought more visitors than there would have been otherwise. The springs is a beautiful and special environment and more and more people will want a peice of it. It is a limited environment and some kind of restrictions are in its future. I've always enjoyed it as a free place but thats life folks. Hopefully these changes are still a good ways off. Since the PCT runs right by these springs I think the agencies would tend to not want to completely close the area. Another saving grace is that there is a hike of some distance to reach the springs. I do my small part to help DCHS by picking up trash and occasionally I give some diplomatic advice to people who's actions may tend to degrade the environment. A lot of times there not really listening, but the hope is that these people may take to heart your message at some point down the road of life a bit. There are others who choose as their contribution to the springs wellbeing to write letters to various agencies to express their concerns and desires to be involved with the protection of this area. I can't fault anyone who trys to help in their own way. For now the springs are as they have been for as long as people can remember, free and open to all. Lets protect them and take care of them the best we can :-)
