Rainbow Family tribe to gather on Ochoco NF
The Ochoco National Forest has announced that the Mountain Spirit Tribe of the Rainbow Family are planning to hold a gathering on the forest the week of August 20.
The gathering will take place at Indian Prairie on the north end of the forest, on the Paulina Ranger District, and is estimated to attract around 200 people. The gathering is for the Mountain Spirit Medicine Wheel Memorial, similar to the event that was held in the same location in 2007.
An Operating Plan is being developed for the event which will help address resource concerns, transportation issues, as well as safety and post event clean up processes. The Forest Service has assigned district personnel and law enforcement officers to assist with the gathering.
In addition to the Rainbow gathering, the Oregon Star Party will be on the forest from August 14-19, southeast of Big Summit Prairie on the Paulina Ranger District. This event could draw as many as 500 people to the area.
The Forest is notifying local officials and business owners about the upcoming events. It’s important that people within the community are aware of the events as there will likely be an increase in traffic as well as customers to local businesses.
“People should use caution if traveling on the forest during these dates, particularly along Forest Service Roads 22, 2630 and 42 and 4240, as these will be the primary travel corridors to the events,” said Paulina District Ranger Sandra Henning.
