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.

Officers Searching All Vehicles

I have received word from a reliable source that a yet unknown person has signed a formal Forest Service Non-Commercial Group 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 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

Stolen Forest Service Weapons

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

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

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

Howdy Folks!
The 38th Annual Rainbow

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

***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