Forest service addresses unauthorized Rainbow Family Gathering in Plumas National Forest
Forest service addresses unauthorized Rainbow Family Gathering in Plumas National Forest KRCR
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Plumas National Forest Addresses Unauthorized Noncommercial Group Use Incident
PLUMAS COUNTY, Calif. —
The Plumas National Forest recently held a virtual public meeting to discuss the Rainbow Family Gathering, an annual event that the forest refers to as an “unauthorized noncommercial group use incident.”
About the Rainbow Family Gathering
The Rainbow Family Gathering is a gathering of individuals from across the United States and other countries who come together each year in a different national forest. They share a common ideology of peace, harmony, freedom, and respect. The first gathering took place near Strawberry Lake in the Arapaho National Forest in 1972.
Unauthorized Establishment of Camp
Last Monday, members of the Rainbow Family Gathering began establishing camp in the Plumas National Forest. Within a few days, the number of participants exceeded the limit allowed with a permit.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has stated that the group does not have, nor have they applied for, a special use permit for non-commercial group use. Such a permit is required for any event with more than 75 people.
Response from Forest Supervisor and Incident Management Team Commander
During the public meeting, Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton addressed the unauthorized incident, stating that it is not an authorized event. The USFS has brought in an incident management team and increased law enforcement capacity to address the situation. However, the group has not provided the necessary information to obtain a permit, making it difficult for the forest service to take appropriate action.
Incident Management Team Commander Coda Whitt acknowledged the challenges faced by the forest service in preventing these gatherings. He emphasized the zero tolerance policy for dumping, littering, and polluting waterways. Additionally, strict fire restrictions are in place, and any food consumed at the gathering must be eaten cold to prevent fire hazards.
Enforcement and Closure Orders
Citations and fines will be issued to violators, and the forest service will seek restitution and cost recovery when possible. To ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the forest service has issued two closure orders to manage traffic flow in the area.
Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 15: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.
- Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Status Updates and Monitoring
The forest service will continue to monitor the gathering and provide status updates on their website.
Source: krcrtv.com
