In a concerted effort by Fort Collins authorities, an illegal encampment sprawling along the Poudre Trail, near Lee Martinez Park, was dismantled by police today, as reported by the City of Fort Collins. The move comes after a series of documented disturbances and criminal activities that have emanated from this makeshift community since its initial report in September 2024, according to the City of Fort Collins.
Throughout this period, Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) has repeatedly contacted the occupants, informing them of the city's camping ordinances while offering assistance through homeless services. Despite these efforts, issues persisted, including complaints of stolen bicycles, disturbances, and various public health and safety concerns. The FCPS Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) team, alongside other city agencies, has been involved in multiple attempts to clear the area, issuing citations to prompt compliance.
A statement from the FCPS disclosed details of the operation. Early on Wednesday, January 22, the HOPE team issued a final notice to the camp's inhabitants calling for a cleanup and evacuation, a week before the actual clearance. The subsequent operation saw the collaboration of HOPE, District 1, and the Strategic Operations Group (SOG), as well as Natural Area Rangers, Parks Rangers, and Animal Control in executing a search warrant and removing significant amounts of waste.
In the process, authorities recovered thirty bikes or frames, ninety-five bike tires, six shopping carts, six propane tanks, and approximately twenty cubic yards of trash. Sharp objects, including eighty potentially dangerous sharps, were also removed from the site. Additionally, four bicycles reported as stolen were found in the encampment. According to Chief of Police Jeff Swoboda, "Despite our best efforts to guide and connect these individuals with available resources, we have a responsibility to address the issue. Our beautiful natural areas cannot and will not become a dumping ground," as obtained by the City of Fort Collins.
As the area undergoes recovery, fencing, and signage have been put in place to deter public access and facilitate the rehabilitation of the natural resources and wildlife habitat affected. Four individuals were arrested on a total of 19 warrants for municipal misdemeanor charges relating to the encampment activity. Items of value, along with personal documents, were taken into custody for safekeeping. It should be noted that charges are simply accusations by law enforcement, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
