US Government Cracks Down on Counterculture: The Rainbow Family Gathering, a 50-Year Tradition, Faces Government Shutdown.

The Rainbow Family: A self-described hippie commune, founded in part by military vets struggling with addiction & PTSD, has gathered once a year since 1972. Now, the US Forest Service is shutting them down, citing permitting issues & environmental concerns.

The Details:

• The Rainbow Family of Living Light gathering, set for July in Plumas National Forest, California, has been ordered to disband.
• US Forest Service officials issued an order on June 25, threatening fines/jail time for non-compliance.
• Plumas National Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton expressed concerns over the impact of the gathering on natural resources & public health.
• The Rainbow Family gathering has a rich history, dating back to 1972 in Colorado.
• Attendance varies yearly, with the US Forest Service estimating up to 10,000 visitors this year.
• The US Forest Service describes the event as an "unauthorized noncommercial group use incident" with significant impacts.
• The gathering has a history of clashes with law enforcement over drug use, sanitation, and forest damage.
• In a press release, Supervisor Carlton acknowledged concerns about impacts on communities & the environment.
• Lassen County Supervisor Jason Ingram praised the shutdown, citing illegality, fire risk, environmental impact, and disrespect to local tribes.

Sources:

• US Forest Service Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1183312.pdf
• Plumas National Forest Supervisor Statement: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1183313.pdf
• US Forest Service on Land Management: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=FSEPRD1177361