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.
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.
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.
