BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Boise National Forest intends to shut down a series of popular, man-made hot spring pools along a stretch of the Middle Fork of the Payette River because they were made illegally.

Forest officials say the pools, some made with rocks and mortar, are in violation of federal land use regulations and will be removed later this fall.

The pools are found along a stretch of the river north of Crouch. Filled with steaming, hot spring water, they are popular with weekend soakers, many who drive up to 45 minutes from Boise to relax in the geothermal waters.

Hot spring soakers reacted with dismay and disbelief. Some claim the pools provide a unique experience for recreationists.

"What is the value here, for all parties concerned, with these pools being destroyed?" Brandt Seefeldt told the Idaho Statesman after spending several hours relaxing in the pools Wednesday. "I know I am fighting an uphill battle, but it really feels like a lose-lose situation for everyone. It just doesn't make sense."

It's not uncommon for people to use tarps and rocks to make impermanent pools near geothermal hot springs in forests across Idaho.

But federal officials say the pools in question were built by a man who used rocks and mortar to make more permanent structures along the riverbank.

Boise National Forest Spokesman Dave Olson says the pools were made without permission from the forest and without consent from the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe, which is also consulted on projects in the forest.

"We have highly developed structures that were made illegally," Olson said.

Forest officials and the U.S. Attorney's office declined to identify the man who built the pools. They say he has agreed to pay a fine and perform community service.

Ted Howard, the cultural resources director of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley, said Wednesday the hot spring was part of the traditional territory of the tribe and a spiritual place.

"Those (hot springs) are still sacred to us. The tribes are a living culture, and we are still protective of our culture," Howard said. "What we prefer is to leave it in its natural state. Nobody is saying (people) can't go and enjoy themselves at the hot spring. Just leave it natural. It's a spiritually significant site."