Forest Service Rules Changes

Public Announcement!

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a new rule (RIN 0596-AD74) that could radically change how public lands are managed, and it could deeply impact future Rainbow Family Gatherings.

The Forest Service wants to update its internal rulebook (the Manual and Handbooks) to give itself more flexibility.

1. Less Input: The rule would allow the agency to delete or cancel existing internal policies without asking for public comment first.

2. Fast-Tracked Closures: Local forest managers would get more power to bypass standard hurdles, making it easier for them to issue sudden, last-minute site closures or camping restrictions.

3. Unpredictable Enforcement: Law enforcement and field officers would have more leeway to change enforcement tactics and camping violations on the spot, rather than sticking to fixed, uniform rules.

Because the Family operates without official permits, we rely heavily on fair, predictable rules and legal transparency. This change makes it much easier for the agency to shift the goalposts right as a gathering begins.

No one should have the right to bypass the current rules without true public oversight! If they want to change the regulations in their massive, 900-page rulebook, they need to do it transparently and give the public more than a mere 30 days to comment.

WE NEED TO VOICE OUR CONCERNS NOW!

The public comment period closes on July 31, 2026. It only takes a few minutes to let them know that public lands require public transparency.

How to comment:

1. Go to Regulations.gov

2. Search for Docket ID: FS-2026-0067 (or RIN 0596-AD74)

3. Click "Comment" and tell them why public oversight is needed for management practices on public land.

Share if you can! Thanks!

~ Edit: the website is down if you go to this link you can submit a comment online but mail is much better (I am not sure if they treat these online comments equally on federal register.gov as they do on regulations.gov)