USFS and tribes ask Rainbow Family Gathering to stay away from ancestral grounds

An annual unpermitted event held on National Forest lands across the county since 1972, the Rainbow Family Gathering, will not be allowed in the Plumas National Forest this July 1 - 7.

The Forest Service issued an order on Wednesday, barring anyone from entering a region of Plumas known as the Indian Creek Headwaters, about 120 miles north of Lake Tahoe. Over 10,000 participants were expected for the event that highlights the hippie/counter-culture that features dancing, drumming, and communing with nature. Many of them had already arrived at the event.

Breaking the order comes with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual, up to $10,000 for a group, and up to six months in prison.

During a press conference, the Forest Service said they were concerned with the high fire danger, and the Susanville Indian Rancheria (SIR) had previously asked that the gathering not happen as it was on their ancestral grounds. The SIR is made up of Washoe, Pit River, Maidu, and Paiute tribes and they cover parts of Modoc, Plumas, and Lassen counties.

In a letter on June 14, SIR asked the Gathering to take place outside of their ancestral lands due to the "egregious damage and irreparable harm that would result to our places of traditional cultural and religious importance."

They went on to say their Historic Preservation Office determined the gathering would have a significant adverse effect to the environment, as well as the historical and traditional cultural properties and landscapes.

The Forest Service said it had assigned 34 law enforcement officers to the area to make sure the event did not take place.

On Thursday, June 27, the Rainbow Gathering Facebook page said they are moving the event to an area 17 miles from Janesville, Calif., south of Susanville, and asked attendees to stay tuned for details.