Warren Times Observer
August 24, 1996
Rainbow gathering takes work
By ELLEN KRANICK
Staff Writer
Camping in the rough with a large group raises certain sanitation and other issues.
So imagine camping on the Allegheny National Forest with about 2,000 people.
U.S. Forest Service personnel are working through the process with representatives of the Rainbow People according to Kathe Frank. Forest Service information specialist.
The counterculture group is converging on the Queen Creek area of the ANF now through Labor Day. Monday, Sept. 2.
Hile Maines of the Warren-based state police confirmed that Forest Service officials, Warren County Sheriff Larry Kopko and state policed met Friday to coordinate their efforts in dealing with what amounts to a small temporary town in-the woods.
Frank said the first inkling Forest Service personnel got of the Rainbow gathering was Thursday. Forest Service and state Bureau of Forestry personnel were in the Queen Creek area and met with the advance group of Rainbow People by chance.
A few thousand Rainbow family members from the mid-Atlantic and New England states are expected to attend according to Bill Baxter, from Berkeley Springs, W.Va. They will be in the area along Forest. Rd. 116 south of Dunham Siding. Baster said the consensus of the group is not to seek a permit from the Forest Service for the encampment He cited the First Amendment right to free assembly.
Frank noted the permit has no fee attached.
Baxter said the grouup is peace loving. cleans up its meeting sites and works with law enforcement officials He stressed there will be no alcohol at the Warren County encampment