Santa Fe NF Website’s Rainbow Gathering Page

The Folks at the Santa Fe National Forest have set up a Rainbow Gathering page on their website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/rainbow/index.html

I think it shows, when the local foresters make efforts to be positive, that there is a significant split in philosophies between the Resource and Law Enforcement branches of the FS.  This division is not simply one of policy but also of funding.  Both sections of the FS obtain special funding as a result of the Gathering, but it is the unique mission of each branch which is at the core of the nature of their responses to the Gathering.

Stewards Of The Forests

“Caring for the Land and Serving People” is the Forest Service Motto and it’s ironic when reading the Forest Service Mission Statement how much of their “Vision” lines up with Rainbow Family beliefs and actions on the land.  Indeed twelve of the thirteen “Guiding Principles” are, in intent, totally Rainbow!  The history of relations between Rainbows and FS Resource have shown that some conflict is natural and we strive to deal with it and that partnerships to achieve shared goals bring about mutual respect and cooperation.  Individuals come to Gatherings to celebrate Life and the Land and to express themselves spiritually and socially.  FS Officers should be assisting individuals in experiencing and utilizing the forests by emphasizing education.  I have shared in wonderful conversations and have worked with FS Resource on protecting and restoring Gathering Sites.  Often local FS projects in Gathering Sites which have been postponed or abandoned are resurrected by special funding and media or community attention due to the Gathering.  Because FS Resource is oriented towards Land and Resource Management officers in this branch are more likely to promote grassroots participation in  decisions and activities and mitigate situations rather than aggravate them.

Authority And Jurisdiction

While the Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations  Branch (LEI) shares the FS Motto it’s role in the forests is not concerned with most of the Guide Principles.  The primary focus of their jobs is the protection of natural resources, protection of Forest Service employees  and the protection of visitors.  However in regards in to the Gatherings their actions have become increasingly unreasonable and discriminatory.  Since the citing of individuals on Forest Service Permit Violations in 1999 and the post 9/11 Law Enforcement environment which encouraged questionable policies, FS Law Enforcement under the umbrella of the National Incident Management Team (NIMT) have set out on a campaign of harassment.  The incidents at the Wyoming 2008 Gathering were so extreme that the Wyoming ACLU issued a report condemning the FS.   The FS LEI spent over $1,000,000 for the Wyoming Gathering in 2008 and acquired Tasers which were used recklessly on individuals.  The Gatherings have allowed the FS LEI to pad their budget each year and engage in purchases of exotic surveillance equipment like Unmanned Drones and Night Scopes.  The employment of such sophisticated technology and the para-military tactics now utilized by the FS at the Gatherings suggest that these events are being used as “Real Time” Exercises.  Essentially the FS Law Officers have ceased to operate as Peacekeepers at Gatherings. 

Technorati Tags: Rainbow Family,Gathering,Santa Fe NF,Forest Service,Legal

FS Police Intimidate Rainbow Gatherers

Officers Searching All Vehicles

Forest Service Law Enforcement have set up what is described as “Shakedown Checkpoints” and are engaging in Intimidating Tactics in an effort to provoke an incident with Rainbow Gatherers. Reports coming out of Parque Venado, the area of the Santa Fe National Forest where Rainbows are assembling, portray an excessive and unreasonable police presence. Individuals said that all vehicles are being stopped and searched at the roadblock on FS Road 69 which is referred to as “Checkpoint Charlie” by the Rainbows because of the atmosphere of intimidation caused by dogs and somber Law Enforcement. Night Raids by Paintball Gun carrying FS Officers claiming to be searching for someone have occurred on two consecutive nights. During the day, Rainbows are reporting speeding convoys of FS Vehicles which pull into Rainbow encampments and threaten tickets for littering.

Town Meeting Addresses Local Concerns

The town meeting in Cuba, NM held on Wednesday is said to have gone well and helped to reassure misinformed townspeople who had become fearful of the impact of the Gathering on their community by Forest Service Propaganda. There was mention at the meeting that local residents as well as Gatherers should make sure that they obey all traffic and vehicle regulations since the FS Law Enforcement is know to target things like objects hanging from rear view mirrors and other minor violations.

Gatherers and locals where urged to know their Legal Rights and to carry a camera or camcorder at all times for their protection against unlawful police actions.

Technorati Tags: Rainbow Family,Gathering,Forest Service,legal

FS Permit Has Been Signed By Unknown Individual

I have received word from a reliable source that a yet unknown person has signed a formal Forest Service Special Use Permit for the New Mexico Annual Gathering. This continues the ongoing debate concerning the validity of any individual signing a permit in the name of the Rainbow Family. As a collection of individuals who operate by Consensus, no council has ever approved the signing of a permit. In the past Special Use Permits have been signed by individuals as mediators with the Forest Service on developing an Operational Plan for the Gathering, however this year the FS has been firm in demanding a formal permit signing.

"As we discussed in previous meetings, it will be necessary for
someone who plans to attend the Gathering to sign the non-commercial
group use permit for it to take effect under our interpretation of
the regulations. This permit is required by law, and is intended to
protect the health and safety of the attendees, and to protect the
environmental and archeological resources of the public lands to be
used for the Gathering under the permit. We are already in contact
with more than one individual planning to attend this year's
Gathering who would prefer for us to issue a permit without requiring
a signature from an attendee, but are willing to sign the permit in
his/her capacity as an individual contact person should we so
require. Accordingly, since we have already identified more than one
person willing to sign, we are planning for the 2009 National Rainbow
Family Gathering to be a legally permitted event. "

Sincerely,
(sg) Gilbert Zepeda
(for) Corbin L. Newman, JR.
Regional Forester

The signing of this permit in no way will restrict the FS Law Enforcement Agents (Incident Command Team) from harassing individuals attending the Gathering.

Stolen Forest Service Weapons

Rifles stolen from police cars
Other stolen items found
burning on mesa

Updated: Thursday, 11 Jun 2009, 12:41 PM MDT
Published : Thursday, 11 Jun 2009, 12:41 PM MDT

• Reporter: Crystal Gutierrez
• Web Producer: Todd Dukart

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Thieves broke into five U.S. Forest Service Police vehicles as the officers slept at an Albuquerque hotel, taking off with several high-powered rifles, laptops and radios. The officers discovered the thefts at the Sheraton Uptown early Thursday morning and called Albuquerque police. As police investigated, Bernalillo County firefighters responded to a fire on Albuquerque's West Mesa, where they discovered some of the stolen laptops, radios and documents burning. Officials are focusing their efforts on the weapons, which are still missing. The fire destroyed much of the evidence, making the investigation that much harder. Anybody with information about the break-in is asked to call Albuquerque police at 505-242-2677.

This is an interesting story. I've followed comments on the KRQE website which generally state amazement that the weapons were not secured. I also think that it's odd that the thieves chose to mark the objects they discarded on an open mesa by burning them. Could this be used by Forest Service Law Enforcement as an excuse to search the Gathering?

New Mexico 2009 Gathering Invitation

Howdy Folks!
The 38th Annual Rainbow
Gathering of the Tribes
July 1 - 7, 2009
Parque Venado
Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

We, who are sisters and brothers, Children of God, families of life on Earth, friends of nature and of all people, children of Humankind calling ourselves Rainbow Family tribe, humbly invite: all races, peoples, tribes, communes, men, women, children, individuals – out of love; all nations and national leaders – out of respect; all religions and religious leaders – out of faith; all politicians – out of charity; to join with us in gathering together for the purpose of expressing our sincere desire that there shall be peace on Earth, harmony among all people . . . and to hold upon worship, prayer, chanting, or whatever is the want or desire of the people beginning the 1st day of July, but upon the 4th day of July, at noon, to ask that there be a meditative contemplative silence wherein we, the invited people of the world, may consider and give honor and respect to anyone or anything that has aided in the positive evolution of humankind and Nature upon this, our most beloved and beautiful world – asking blessing upon we p eople of this world and hope that we people can effectively proceed to evolve, expand and live in harmony and Peace. Amen.
This is a Spiritual Gathering, absolutely Free & non-commercial, supported by your voluntary cooperation. We are here to express and rejoice in the sacredness of ourselves, nature, the land, and the spirit that connects us all. Tread lightly, as you enter the Cathedral of Nature.
Join in this unique happening –
The Annual Rainbow Gathering of the Tribes.

Directions:
From Cuba,NM take State Road 126 East for 13 miles to FS Road 103 on left, go 2 miles to FS Road 69 on left then 9 miles to where FS Road 69 meets FS Road 70.
The Gathering is 24 miles from Cuba
WELCOME HOME!!

The site is beautiful, altitude is 8,500 - 9,000 feet Be prepared for cold nights (low 40's to 50 degrees) Warm days in the mid 80's and sunny. 1/2 hour afternoon thunderstorms most days, which are downpours, bring good rain gear.

BRING ALL GOOD THINGS!
Your own bowls, cups, utensils, personal water containers, water jugs. Bring drinking water and/or personal filtering gear if you can. Portable shelter (tents), camping equipment, sleeping bags, blankets, mats, flashlights and extra batteries, camp shovel, camp tools, rope. Prepare for hot, sunny days, cold nights & rain. Bring rain gear, layered clothing, hiking footwear, sunscreen & a hat. Bring toiletry supplies including extra toilet paper, menstrual necessities, biodegradable soaps & shampoos, & first aid supplies, Bring acoustical instruments. Bring bulk food for the kitchens, snacks for you and friends to keep with you. If you’re able, please bring extra items (esp. blankets) to share w/someone less prepared. Bring some green energy for the Magic Hat. Please bring bags to take out your trash & recyclables - this is a pack it in/pack it out gathering..

Come home safely; take care of each other along the way. Make sure your vehicles are safe and street legal. Pick up hitchhikers & bring them home. Ignore all rumors of cancellation, regardless of source. If you cannot be with us in person on the 4th of July be with us in spirit by joining in the silence.

WE LOVE YOU!

Looking for a ride? Need a rider? Check out these ride boards:

http://kindrideshare.org/
http://www.starsrainbowrideboard.org/index.html

The closest airport is Albuquerque

New Mexico Rail Runner Light Railroad
866-795-7245

Sandoval County Easy Express Bus to Cuba
877-660-1110

First Report From Cuba, NM - KOAT Albuquerque

Rainbow Family Descends On NM Town
Tens Of Thousands Expected To Gather In Forest

POSTED: 10:43 pm MDT June 10, 2009
UPDATED: 11:04 pm MDT June 10, 2009

CUBA, N.M. -- The tiny New Mexico village of Cuba is preparing to greet tens of thousands of visitors as they await the annual Rainbow Family gathering in the nearby woods.
"It is free of charge. You've just got to show up," said Texas traveler Eric Koda....
People from around the world are already showing up to settle in the forest. While some estimates of the crowd range between 30,000 and 75,000 -- no one is really sure.


It never ceases to amaze me how folks exaggerate the numbers of Gatherers every year.

Forest Service Demands Rainbows Sign Permit

An the Wheel goes round and round..

***BEGIN FORWARDED LETTER****

United States Forest Southwestern Region.
Department of Service Regional Office
Agriculture

333 Broadway SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
FAX (505) 842 3800
V/TTY (505) 842-3292

File Code: 1550-2/2720-2
Date: June 9, 2009

Mr. GXXX BXXX
Santa Fe. NM

Dear Mr. BXXX,

This letter supersedes our previous letter dated June 1, 2009.

Thank you for your email of 4/29 regarding this year's Rainbow Family Gathering. I agree with yon that we should be pursuing a course that will lead to a legal gathering, and one in which Rainbow Family representatives and the Forest Service work cooperatively to ensure that the Gathering is conducted in conformance with a non-commercial group use permit and an operating plan.

You indicated that you have some concern as to who is making decisions in the Forest Service with respect to the Gathering. As I mentioned in previous meetings, it is my direction to the Forests (Gila, Santa Fe, or Carson) that the Gathering will be conducted under the terms of a permit, as required by law. I also indicated that it would be the individual Forest Supervisor who will be responsible for working with Rainbow Family representatives to work out the details of the permit and the operating plan. So, decisions will be made at various levels of the Forest Service, but as we get closer to the actual Gathering, the Forest Supervisor and his or her representatives (District Ranger, Permit Administrator, Resource Specialists, etc.) will be making decisions and administering the terms of the permit and the operating plan.

As we discussed in previous meetings, it will be necessary for a representative of the Rainbow Family to sign the permit so that it can be issued. By having a valid permit and an accompanying operating plan, we will be able to manage the Gathering as a legal event and focus our attention on working with you and your representatives to ensure compliance with the provisions of the permit and operating plan. Our law enforcement officers will of course have a role to play to the extent that there may be violations of law by Rainbow Family gatherers, but our intent is to manage the Gathering more from a Special Use Permit administrative standpoint, than as a law enforcement effort. Of course, the extent to which laws enforcement actions will be needed depends on the conduct of the individuals attending the Gathering.

We understand that there is no legally constituted "group" or non-profit corporation known as the "Rainbow Family" and that no individuals can speak for or act for the "Rainbow Family" and that no individuals can speak for or act as legal representatives of the collective group of individuals who wish to gather and camp together in a National Forest in New Mexico in June and early July of 2009. We understand that rather than having leaders, decisions are reached collectively in council at the site where people are camping. Nevertheless,

Caring for the Land and Serving People

REGIONAL FORESTER p.2
003

as we discussed in previous meetings, it will be necessary for someone who plans to attend the Gathering to sign the non-commercial group use permit for it to take effect under our interpretation of the regulations. This permit is required by law, and is intended to protect the health and safety of the attendees, and to protect the environmental and archeological resources of the public lands to be used for the Gathering under the permit. We are already in contact with more than one individual planning to attend this year's Gathering who would prefer for us to issue a permit without requiring a signature from an attendee, but are willing to sign the permit in his/her capacity as an individual contact person should we so require. Accordingly, since we have already identified more than one person willing to sign, we are planning for the 2009 National Rainbow Family Gathering to be a legally permitted event.

The ability of the Forest Service to manage the Gathering more as an administrative action than a law enforcement action depends much on your (and other participants of the Gathering) willingness to work cooperatively with the individual Forest Supervisor and his or her staff. To date, you have shown an excellent collaborative spirit. I thank you. I hope this will continue with early identification of the Gathering site, ensuring that Rainbow Family representatives work closely with the Forest to finalize the permit and develop the operating plan, and working closely on a daily basis once the Gathering begins. I believe that if these things can be accomplished, we will have established a successful process that can serve as a model for the planning of future Gatherings.

You know how important it is that you to begin coordinating with the individual Forest Supervisors on the Gila, Santa Fe and the Carson NFs to select the site for the Gathering, complete the permit process and develop the operating plan for the Gathering. The sooner this work can be completed, the better we can jointly prepare for a successful gathering. Thank you again for your dedication to working with us.

Sincerely,
(sg) Gilbert Zepeda
(for) Corbin L. Newman, JR.
Regional Forester

cc: Richard Markley, Glen H Pickett, Karen M Carter, Kendall Clark, Daniel Jiron, Erin Connelly

Posted by Karin Zirk at 9:30 PM