Monday, July 6, 2015

July 6, 2015: Rainbow Gathering Update

U.S. Forest Service – News Release
Black Hills National Forest ● Public Affairs Office ● 1019 N. Fifth Street
Custer, SD  57730 ● Voice (605) 673-9216 ● Web: http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Public Information (605) 340-0573

Date: 7/06/15                 

July 6, 2015: Rainbow Gathering Update

Custer, SD As the Rainbow Family Gathering comes to an end, Forest Service resource specialists have begun discussing the rehabilitation plan with remaining Rainbow gatherers.  A group of Rainbow gatherers will stay behind to complete rehabilitation efforts that will include trash removal, obliteration of user-created trails, filling and covering slit trenches, and dismantling of any structures constructed for the gathering.

Approximately 1,075 Rainbow Family members were gathered this morning on the Black Hills National Forest. Approximately 1,700 people participated at the peak of the gathering.

US Forest Service officials continue to monitor the gathering to ensure public health and safety, cultural and natural resource protection and compliance with special orders.