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Federal officials prepare for Rainbow Family

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By MATT JOYCE
Associated Press writer

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 2:07 AM MDT

CHEYENNE -- Federal officials began arriving in Riverton on Monday to prepare for the Rainbow Family gathering, which is expected to be held on U.S. Forest Service land in the Big Sandy area near Pinedale.

A national incident management team made up of about 40 Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management personnel was setting up shop to deal with the potentially thousands of people who could turn out for the event in early July.

"The Rainbow Gathering of Living Light" is a weeklong campout that has been held on federal lands around the country each year since the early 1970s. Thousands of people typically attend the events, which include music and socializing focused on the group's themes of peaceful living and caring for the earth.

Rita Vollmer, a Utah-based Forest Service employee serving as information officer for the incident management team, said Monday that 300 to 500 Rainbow participants had already set up camp in the Bridger-Teton National Forest near Pinedale. The campers were concentrated near Big Sandy Campground and Dutch Joe Guard Station, she said.

Vollmer said the incident management team had not received official word from the loosely organized Rainbow Family regarding exactly where the gathering will be held. "Unofficial" Web sites maintained by Rainbow Family participants said the event will take place in the Big Sandy area.

The Big Sandy River runs through the southern Wind River Mountains in Sublette County; the Forest Service's Big Sandy Campground is located about 25 miles southeast of Pinedale.

Vollmer said the national incident management team includes officials who will work with Rainbow participants on logistical issues, as well as law enforcement officers.

The team also includes resource officers who will work with festival-goers to protect natural resources when it comes to issues such as the location of latrines and kitchens.

"They'll work together pretty much throughout the duration of time the group is on public land," Vollmer said. "It's pretty much to ensure that resources aren't damaged."

Gene Smithson, a senior special agent in the Forest Service's Washington, D.C. office for Law Enforcement and Investigations, is leading the incident management team, Vollmer said.

Vollmer said it's standard for the Forest Service to create a management team for Rainbow Family gatherings.


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Comments to this story.

Marion wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:28 AM:

" Caring for the earth by thousands of them trampling the earth? As long as someone declares they are "doing it for the earth", they can destroy anything, is that it?
The NFS is already financially strapped, so why do these folks not have to cough up a little bit of money for all of this instead of the working people getting one more burden dumped on them?
If they are really interested in "protecting the earth" why do they not spread out across the country and volunteer their time to cleaning and whatever else needs to be done for forests in their area? Why a big party concentrated in one area? "

Gary wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:42 AM:

" Pre-registration of targets for artillery and air strikes would also be prudent. Nipping small problems in the bud stops them from becoming big problems for the rest of us to live through and deal with. "

wyhvacman wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:15 AM:

" I hear they had one of their gatherings around steamboat and they trashed that place wow !! "

WYOMAN wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Who pays for all of this? "

john wrote on Jun 17, 2008 4:23 PM:

" experience nonviolence,giving freely,musical joyfulness blending into delicious free food,brought by those of us who have extra,and see for yourselves how we clean-up after,and during,don't listen to hateful propaganda from decietful folks,attend without fear,family will care for you there,like no-where else,go,don't take my word for it.pitch into some work for a really good time. "

Tyrel wrote on Jun 17, 2008 7:28 PM:

" You want to know who pays for this? The good people of Wyoming who treasure this country in its undisturbed state. The Wind River Range is a national treasure with unparalleled beauty, and this gathering will ruin a nice portion of it. I just hope we can get the pot resin out of the glaciers. The whole situation just sickens me. "

slim wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:44 PM:

" You guys really need to chill before you have an aneurism or something. Rainbow will not hurt you nor will they destroy OUR precious forests! That lie about trashing Steamboat is total bs and I challenge you to produce your proof and calling in air strikes would most likely only cause collatteral damage and probably wipe out Pinedale in the process. How about instead of wishing ill will and actual harm on people you don't even know you come out and meet us...perhaps even spend a few days with us so you can take in the total picture instead of specualting about this-n-that and fretting over a little pot resin in a glacier...? "

kenman wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:10 PM:

" I am amused by all the folks outraged, yes outraged, by hundreds or thousands of free-thinking people showing up on Public land that belongs to all of us to have nothing more than a good time.
Where is the anger and raised voices over the thousand-fold trashing of the Upper Green river valley by the energy companies? These folks make the Rainbows look like pikers and amateurs in the destruction department. "

highymarkin wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:47 PM:

" Sorry Slim some of us have jobs and work for a living.As for you kenman those companies are providing the energy needs driven by people who feel the need to show up in masses and for you to use a computer that uses electricity from a coal fired power plant that runs on coal mined by mining equipment powered by fuel from the petroleum industry so sit down and load your bowl and shut up. "

progressive hippy lover wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:16 AM:

" too funny highmarkin! Yes I'm heading for the Big Sandy to partake in some of that drug use and nudity. This is no big deal - we just want to love. Love the earth. Love our fellow man. Love nudity and drugs. When you're stoned and naked love flows more freely you know... "

john wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:13 AM:

" your child paints another childs face,they parade at noon on the 4th,into a circle of loving fanily,thousands strong,with puppets on poles,chinese dragon with hundred kidfeet snaking into the main meadow,an ohm rises around the children for world peace,rising in creshendo;an enormous cheer arises,as thousands dance,sing drum,and hug one another.the drums talk tenatively,at first,a subtle back-and-forth,then,more urgent,seeking;they rise andmellow for hours,till dawn the next day.but im up early,cutting deadwood,for the ovens that bake the cookies,breads,and pizza's we all love.all kitchens feed the kids first,except for the champagne brunch at new york kitchen,where they feed the musicians first,so we can play,jazz and cuba-librae,while everyone else eats.met on the trail,lovin you bro,is what ill hear everywhere i go,an are you hungry?or gotta smoke,bro?wanna play some music?can you help dig latrines after breakfast?carry someones stuff?wash dishes?tell a story?got a joke?need one?welcome home is what you will hear most.welcome home;welcome home!!!!!!!!.....thanks to this newspaper,for the free speech;thank yourselves for the freedom to peacefully assemble without fear of heavyhanded overzealous law-enforcement.america,not just for the rich anymore......... "

Ryan wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:46 PM:

" john, Get back on your meds and don't forget to collect your welfare check paid by we that work for a living. I'm sure glad that my life isn't the drug induced technicolor steriophonic Steven Spielberg cartoon that your's seems to be! "

john wrote on Jun 18, 2008 7:29 PM:

" I thank the newspaper here for the free forum to speak.i was addicted to dexadrine as a boy of 8,hyperactive;and took speed for 8 years or so,and i am 50 and havent had any drugs like that for almost 35 years.i don't intend to get back on my meds,thank you.go,as i said fine americans,and see the rainbow above and around you.hateful propaganda cannot prevail,and isn't helping anyone.everything i spoke is literal truth,see it for yourselves,there on the peoples recreational land we are all free to enjoy without fear,intimidation,threats,and,hopefully,without vicious liars besmirching those who wouldn't hurt anything,anyone,only wishing to gather on the 4th like many other americans.I befriended a rabi ,who's sinagog is in berkeley.we both got tickets in colo. for camping in a group of over 75.he said he looks at feeding hundreds of folks as his ministry,partly,even tho he don't preach at folks;,if you wish any knowledge he has ,it's given freely.ticket me for feeding children,$125.00,and i will be here next year feeding children,and you can just keep giving me tickets,i look upon them as a badge of honor.many of us feel likewise,and if you dont understand,well,at least let us be good temporary neighbors,cause we will be there an gone in the blink,and many will wish we'd stayed a little longer,if you sell anything needed by rainbow,like ice cream,for the kids,still frozen solid a hundred miles from town in the mountains,given away free. "

kenman wrote on Jun 18, 2008 7:40 PM:

" To all those who think Rainbows bad- hog wild energy destruction good. I am continually amazed by you who seem content to let Wyoming end up just like LA by the mindless, uncontrolled development and ruination of the natural resources of this state. If that is really the case, why not just move to LA? "

kgt wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:49 PM:

" The Constitution supports the right to assembly. Maybe it's time we tore it up to keep freaks like this out of our town. "

Tyrel wrote on Jun 19, 2008 11:00 AM:

" I have much more respect for this state than you will ever know kenman. I know much more about the energy development in this state than you will ever know kenman. I know more about the environmental issues in this state than you will ever know kenman. YOU ARE THE OUTSIDER. Yes there are practices that need to be improved in our energy development, but there are also practices that are on the cutting edge of energy development. Before you you take a dump on our values, just take a good long look at the area you will trash in our beloved Wind River Range. There's a reason that the National Forest service doesn't allow groups of more than 15 within the wilderness, and you will see after 30-40k go marching through that area. The right to assembly is exactly what the United States is all about, but please, do it somewhere with the correct facilities. Please...Tread Lightly. "

Clem wrote on Jun 19, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Ahhh, the fresh air, the beautiful view, WOW, what's that I smell? Oh man, it's a bunch of hairy legged, sandal wearing, dope smoking, hippies having a love in! Gag, puke, gag. That's going to leave a mark that won't heal for a long, long time. "

slim jim wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:02 PM:

" You guys in Wyoming live in a poverty stricken waste land your main econmy is a prison..

You should be glad to get some money and outside people stop through your forsaken wasteland.

You know there will also be some females there, so put your sheep in the barn and come on down and smoke a bowl and talk to some females. "

Wrong on all counts wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:40 AM:

" slim jim, You are mistaken about our economy in Wyoming. Do some research. Second, the rainbows like most anti-establishment, fringe groups are comprized of members that pride themselves in not "selling out to the man" (by being bums, criminals and generally both at once) and hence they have no economic power and will contribute nothing positive during their (hopefully) brief visit here. Get a clue and a life dullard. "

storm cloud brewin wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:10 AM:

" While I do appreciate Slim's offer to partake of free drugs and then ravage some rainbow women, our main economy is in fact enery and agriculture. I'm more with Clem on this deal. "

Kim wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:36 AM:

" Hippies, just like fleas, crabs or lice, dirty and darned hard to get rid of and very annoying. "

WTF wrote on Jun 20, 2008 1:37 PM:

" Why would this group want to do this in Wyoming? People in this state are so closed minded and judgemental. Take it to a state that is actually up with the times not living in the dark ages. "

Sindi wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:40 PM:

" WTF; Yeah, send these idiots to a wonderful, open minded place like Kaliforny or New York....anywhere but Wyoming. They're not needed, wanted or invited. "

Jeffrey wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:28 PM:

" I was born and raised in Wyoming, and iI have been attending Rainbow Gatherings for ten years. I know many Native Wyomingites who have gone to Gatherings, and I know when I am traveling I can count on Rainbow Tribe folks to be among the most generous and hospitible people i encounter. Some are Christians, some are yogis and yoginis, some are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist. And some are kids who have been kicked out onto the street and have no one else to call family, and the people of the Rainbow embrace and seek to help facilitate healing for these and the earth and for you too, dear readers. If you have a belly button, you are one of us--though you might not know it yet. We are about living the way we all once did, with a sense of community, Love of the Good Divine, and sharing of whatever we have to help our fellow human beings. We are the Earth, the Wind, the Fire, the Water, and the Spirit flows where these people gather to celebrate, pray, and to heal. Search your ancient self, and you will know you are akin to us. "

Jeffrey wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:38 PM:

" Oh, and one more thing, the only criminal actions given any approval by the vast majority of people at a Gathering is to use a plant that our nations "founding fathers" grew (and purportedly smoked). Alcohol is NOT EVEN ALLOWED within the Gathering, and is only tolerated by the majority when kept in a seperated area called A-Camp. We are a righteous people that wish to spread compassion and healing to the whole world. Indeed, many who attend gatherings do not wish to be a part of a system that perpetuates greed, glorifies conspicuous consumption, and neglects things of Spirit, and they are thus forced to the margins of society, as were the native peoples before us. Indeed, some rough elements may end up at gatherings, but are embraced with a wish to heal them, as Jeshua ben Joseph taught (Jesus), and as is proscribed by nigh all the good teachings of this world (I'm a yogi born in Laramie, by the way). "

Montanan wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:43 PM:

" The rainbows cleaned up fine when they were up here in the Big Hole a few years ago. It was a surprise and a little inconvenience for one rancher, but they didn't really hurt anything. "

Nellica wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:59 PM:

" I've had enough of these freak groups doing as they please and being afford rights and privilages ahead of the rest of us on our public lands. What can we do to de-rail this mess and do it right now? "

Burnt Outs wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Looks like the dopers are already trying to burn down the county by my read of the news. Maybe they'll burn themselves out? That'd be nice. "

WTF wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Sindi, first of all wyoming is not any one persons possession. Who are you to tell who and who cannot use public lands. This group went through a process to be able to hold this event. By the way you look like the idiot learn how to spell. "

montanan wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:14 PM:

" It would seem that panhandling has dropped off in Missoula, Montana (missoulian.com/articles/2008/06/19/news/local/news01.txt). Thank-you Wyoming! ; ) Actually we've had the Rainbows here, and they're no more welcome. You might find 2-3 pilots with small aircraft to buzz them once an hour throughout the night. Getting woken from the deepest part of the sleep cycle makes one feel pretty crappy the next day. "

froid wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:48 AM:

" What's with you Wyoming freaks that you don't understand that this country is diverse? You are being influenced by an unscrupulous news(?)paper's attempt to arouse fear. That doesn't say much for the IQ level or critical thinking skills of Wyoming natives. A state of sheep? No one gets upset when Sturgis breezes thru and I guanantee you that they are carrying more drugs than the rainbows. . What is it about a peaceful CAMPOUT that you weirdos don't understand? "

crazy carol wrote on Jul 3, 2008 9:37 AM:

" we sure are lucky in this country. If the worst thing going on right now (for some) is a bunch of peace, loving hippies gathering in a remote area of Wyoming....... I'd say we don't have much to complain about.

I may just have to take off early from my "prison job", put my "sheep" in the barn and head out to the "foresaken wasteland" to see it for myself. "

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