Hammock ‘stacking’ banned at EF; zones established

Electric Forest Festival coverage is sponsored by Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart),www.springsteadlaw.com.

GRANT TWP. — In an effort to promote “the long-term health of Sherwood Forest,” Electric Forest Festival promoters have announced some new policies regarding hammocks, which are extremely popular during the four-day event.

“Together, we are all focused on the long-term health of Sherwood Forest,” states an EF press release. “Last year, HQ received many comments regarding hammocks. While hammocks are a much-loved part of the festival, it has become too hard to walk through Sherwood Forest when they go up in all directions.

“Additionally, our arborists have informed us that the weight of hammocks on the same trees year after year could become a concern.

“Hammocks are part of the soul of Electric Forest, and they are not going away,” the press release continues. “Now is the time to evolve. The new plan for 2015 will create ‘hammock zones’ in restful areas to help solve traffic problems, and to give some of our beloved pines a chance to rest. Below are new guidelines intended to preserve the experience and overall health of The Forest for the many beautiful years to come…

Hammock stacking is no longer allowed at EF.

“Here is what The Forest needs from you:

• Please plan to hang your hammocks in the Hammock Zones, which will be marked in The Forest. Any hammocks that are hung elsewhere will be asked to relocate or be removed. Please note, this will be strictly enforced.
• Hammock stacking will no longer be allowed. Please help others to keep the trees in mind, as additional weight is not healthy for the trees.
• All are welcome to bring their own hammock to The Forest, but hammock hanging locations will be limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re planning for shady naps in Sherwood Forest, you may want to pack a blanket in case all the hammock spots are full.

“ENO, our wonderful hammock partner, will be investing a portion of proceeds from all Electric Forest hammocks toward the health and longevity of Sherwood Forest. Be sure to check the map for ENO locations, as they will also be providing limited space to hang hammocks in their areas.

“Together, we can keep The Forest strong, healthy, and accessible year after year. Send some love to Sherwood Forest!”

The festival is set for June 25-28 at the Double JJ Resort. The the gigantic music celebration, which attracts tens of thousands of fans from across the nation and Canada, announced its schedule. As the popularity of the festival grows, so does its infrastructure with the addition of two stages, The Hangar and Jubilee.