Saying that it was necessary for protection of natural, Tribal and cultural resources, concerns about fire danger, public health and sanitation, and upholding permitted special uses, the Plumas National Forest has issued a Forest Order prohibiting anyone from being in any portion of the Indian Creek Headwaters Area and Road Closure Order on the Mount Hough Ranger District.
The incredibly divisive Rainbow Family National Gathering is currently taking place in this area, approximately five miles north of Antelope Lake Recreation Area in Plumas County, just south of Lassen County.
“The Forest is concerned about the 500 plus individuals already dispersed camping in a concentrated area. We are always willing to work with any organization or group interested in recreating on the national forest. There are existing and projected impacts on natural and cultural resources and other authorized uses. Our priority is maintaining public health and safety and the appropriate stewardship of public lands and natural resources,” said Plumas National Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton.
The Forest Order is effective today and will be evaluated daily to determine the appropriate time to lift the order to resume general public use of the area.
Forest Service regulations require that all noncommercial group use, defined as activities that have no entry or participation fee charged nor the primary purpose being the sale of a good or service and activities, being conducted on National Forest System lands that involves 75 or more people, be authorized by the Forest Service through a special use permit for noncommercial group use (36 CFR 251.54).
The message on the telephone line that the Rainbow Family uses to communicate with its loose-knit followers has been changed and no longer offers directions to the campsite. Instead it is now telling Rainbow Family members to stay where they are and not come to the gathering at this time, as the situation is “evolving on the ground.”
