Tidioute, PA — Federal officials are responding to a large, unauthorized gathering known as the Rainbow Family that is forming on the Bradford Ranger District of the Allegheny National Forest.
The gathering is located about six miles east of Tidioute along Forest Road 119 in Warren County.
The Rainbow Family of Living Light is an informal group that gathers annually in national forests across the country. Members describe the organization as having no formal leadership structure.
The U.S. Forest Service has mobilized a National Incident Management Team to help manage the event and reduce impacts on public lands and nearby communities. Officials said the team is working with tribal, state, county and local partners to coordinate safety measures, share information and enforce laws.
Attendance is expected to increase steadily in the coming weeks, with the largest crowds anticipated around July 4th.
Forest officials said gatherings of this size can affect traffic, local businesses and access to forest roads and recreational areas. Visitors should expect possible congestion, temporary road closures and detours.
Under federal regulations, groups of 75 or more people using National Forest System lands must obtain a noncommercial group-use permit. The Rainbow Family has historically declined to apply for permits, stating the group has no leaders authorized to sign permit documents.
According to the Forest Service, federal courts have upheld the agency’s authority to require and enforce permits for large group gatherings.
Information about forest closures and orders related to the event is available on the Allegheny National Forest website, here.