 | | Jeff Walter | | jwalter@fs.fed.us
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The Rainbow Family is coming back again to visit Indian Prairie on the Ochoco National Forest, September 11 - 23, 2007. This year will be a regional gathering; not a national gathering of over 20,000 strong like the community experienced in 1997. Historically, regional gatherings attract anywhere from 200 to 1000 members, and while the Tribal council is hoping for more, it shouldn't be more than a few thousand.
I am aware of the community's feelings due to the national gathering back in 1997 and want to express to the citizens of Prineville, Crook County, and other visitors to the Ochoco National Forest that we are working closely with the Crook County Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement agencies in both Crook and Wheeler counties, and many other cooperators, including the Rainbow Family, to do everything we can to mitigate any issues that might arise.
One point I'd like to emphasize is that many different groups visit the Ochoco National Forest and do so because of the beauty of this area. Our niche is "find your own special place" and many campers, hikers, bird watchers, equine groups, Nordic trail groups, snowmobilers, OHV users, and hunters have done just that on our forest. Other special use events that take place on the forest include: the Oregon Star Party, Haystack Boat Races, Boyce Corral Dog Trials, Horse Endurance rides, Dog Sled races, and groups such as the Rainbow Gathering.
Our goal, as with any recreational special use event, is to continue to work with the Rainbow Family to ensure they are aware of the fire danger, the natural resource concerns, and of all that is required for a 13 day group visit; it is also our intent to allow these visitors their time to recreate safely and as good stewards of the land for the time they are here.
Our national forests are a national trust, for the enjoyment and use of the American public, and each has a very local signature designed to help meet social and economic needs. It is our hope that the citizens of Prineville and Crook County know that we will do all we can to make every recreational event, whether a single camper at a dispersed campsite, 1,000 Oregon Star Party visitors, or 1,000 Rainbow Family members, a success for the visitors and the community.
I encourage anyone that is interested to attend the 6 p.m. town hall meeting Tuesday, August 28 at the Crook County Library; the meeting will be hosted by the Crook County Sheriff's Office and the Crook County Chamber of Commerce. Many community leaders will be in attendance including Art Currier, Ochoco National Forest District Ranger, myself, and Crook County Judge Scott Cooper; along with other law enforcement officials, city officials, and Chamber representatives, they will be ready to hear your concerns and share what information they have regarding this event.
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