As summer approaches, the tranquil expanse of Northern California’s Plumas National Forest is gearing up for an event that promises both vibrant community spirit and significant controversy. Local officials and tribal organisations are preparing for the annual Rainbow Family Gathering, an unauthorised event expected to draw thousands of attendees in the first week of July. The U.S. Forest Service has determined that a “loose-knit group of people” is organising this gathering, further complicating the management of its impact.
To its participants, the Rainbow Family Gathering is a celebration of community, spirituality, and a profound connection to nature. It’s an annual pilgrimage where like-minded individuals come together to share in a collective experience that echoes the values of the hippie movement. This year, the event promises to transform the serene landscape of Plumas National Forest into a vibrant hub of activity.
However, not everyone has a positive perspective on the gathering. Tribal members of the Susanville Indian Rancheria, whose ancestral lands encompass the gathering site, perceive the event as a potential source of environmental harm and cultural disrespect. Scott Dixon, the emergency services coordinator for the Susanville Rancheria, expressed deep concerns about the lasting impact thousands of attendees could have on the land.
“Where the gathering is happening is still within our ancestral footprint,” Dixon explained. Despite reassurances from the event’s organisers about minimising their ecological footprint, Dixon remains skeptical. “They’re going to leave a footprint, and it’s going to take a while for the land to come back from that and be natural again,” he added.
One of Dixon’s primary concerns is the potential damage to the headwaters that flow into Antelope Lake, a crucial resource for the area. Additionally, the gathering could disrupt sites where the Maidu tribe holds their annual Bear Dance, a culturally significant event. In a bid to protect these sensitive areas, the Susanville Rancheria sent a letter to the Rainbow Family, urging them to relocate the gathering to a different location.
“We are recommending that the proposed 2024 Rainbow Gathering take place outside of SIR’s ancestral lands due to the egregious damage and irreparable harm that would result to our places of traditional cultural and religious importance,” the letter reads. Despite this appeal, the organisers have decided to proceed with their plans.
The U.S. Forest Service, no stranger to the challenges posed by the Rainbow Family Gatherings since their inception in 1972, is also bracing for impact. Hilary Markin, spokesperson for the Forest Service’s national incident management team, noted the group’s ongoing refusal to comply with permit processes. This non-compliance results in significant logistical and environmental challenges.
Last year’s gathering in New Hampshire saw numerous violations, including arrests and notices for alcohol and drug-related offences, environmental damage, and interference with law enforcement. This year, with an anticipated attendance of over 10,000 people, the potential for similar issues looms large.
Janesville, the small town closest to the gathering site, is also preparing for an influx of visitors that will significantly exceed its population of 2,641. The U.S. Forest Service has established a public information line to assist local residents with any concerns, and it is working closely with local organisations and law enforcement to mitigate potential disruptions.
Despite the preparations, the event remains a point of contention for many. The Susanville Rancheria’s tribal council plans to convene later this month to discuss further actions.
“We’re not happy with them being in the area, but they’re going to do what they’re going to do,” Dixon said, encapsulating the frustration and resignation felt by many in the community.
As the Rainbow Family Gathering draws near, the delicate balance between celebrating community and preserving the environment will be put to the test once more in the picturesque, yet contentious, landscape of Plumas National Forest.