By Shannon Lukens.

 

The Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Dan Gibbs, is asking those attending the Rainbow Family Gathering to be aware of the impacts on natural resources in the area. The biggest concerns are the danger of fire, impacts on calving for big game, and potential damage to sensitive wildlife habitat. The gathering site is in northwest Routt County, in the Routt National Forest. Gibbs thanked the U.S. Forest Service for closing the California Park area because of potential impacts to wildlife and the environment.

He says, “These large unsanctioned gatherings risk tremendous impacts to our lands, wildlife and communities, and it is my hope attendees of the Rainbow Family Gathering respect our great outdoors and take it upon themselves to proactively minimize resource degradation.”

Gibbs says they are monitoring what is happening with the gathering which officially starts today. And they’re working with local officials, including the U.S. Forest Service, Routt County, and all first responders.

 

 

Here is the press release issued on July 1, 2022, from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

 

DNR Executive Director Calls for Rainbow Family Gathering to be Mindful of Impacts to Colorado’s Natural Resources 
DENVER – The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director Dan Gibbs implores attendees of the Rainbow Family Gathering in Routt County to keep in mind the impacts of their event on our natural resources, and to practice Leave No Trace Principles.

“Colorado is home to world-renowned natural resources, but we know special care must be taken to preserve them for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future residents and visitors. These large unsanctioned gatherings risk tremendous impacts to our lands, wildlife and communities, and it is my hope attendees of the Rainbow Family Gathering respect our great outdoors and take it upon themselves to proactively minimize resource degradation,” remarked Executive Director Gibbs.

DNR further applauds the United States Forest Service (USFS) for the closure of the California Park area of the Routt National Forest. The area has significant biological, geological, historical and paleontological values and the USFS and non-profit partners have invested millions of dollars in riparian and habitat restoration projects in the area.

Gibbs adds, “I want to thank the USFS, Routt County and all first responders for their attention and response to the Rainbow Family Gathering, and DNR supports their efforts to minimize damages to our natural resources.”

It is expected that the Rainbow Family Gathering will culminate this coming week with growing attendance, and will continue to utilize the area in the coming weeks. Given the danger of fire, impacts on calving for big-game, and the exposure of damages to sensitive wildlife habitat, DNR will continue to monitor the Rainbow Family Gathering working with the USFS and partner agencies.