A section of Plumas National Forest has been closed, ahead of the planned annual gathering of the Rainbow Family of Living Light. U.S. Forest Service officials closed access to any portion of the Indian Creek Headwaters Area to the public.
"We've had a little bit of resistance so far," said Hilary Markin, a Forest Service public information officer. "But we're hoping that everybody complies with that closure order."
Officials said there were already around 500 people camping in the area. The yearly event attracts up to 10,000 people, and the location changes every year. Markin said the size of the gathering can majorly affect the land around it.
"[It] has impacts [on] natural resources. This year, in particular, the tribal and cultural resources," Markin said. "We also have concerns about fire danger, with the forest already being in stage one fire restrictions."
She said the group did not get the proper permit to use the land for the gathering.
Markin said law enforcement has established checkpoints around the area to turn away would-be visitors. Campers inside were given 48 hours to pack up and leave.
