Implementation of the Prohibited Camping Ordinance began on Monday, May 3 as officers posted a 72-hour notice at seven campsites along the Bear Creek Greenway.
The Medford Livability Team focused on the area around I-5, near exit 30. This area was targeted due to the heavy vegetation causing a fire risk and was the site of two recent homicides.
The 72 hour timeframe was spent funneling resources to individuals at the identified campsite.
By Thursday morning, each of those individuals had accepted transitional shelter options, or made other arrangements. The Livability Team provided transportation of people and their belongings to their new arrangements, as needed. No enforcement action was taken.
With the assistance of the Medford Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works, ODOT, and Rogue Retreat Clean Sweeps, the area was cleaned up as close to its original condition as possible. Sixty yards of trash and debris were removed, utilizing dumpsters donated by Rogue Disposal.
“We’re happy we could connect individuals to services and address the fire and public safety concerns along this area of the Greenway,” said Scott Clauson, Chief of Police. “I want to reiterate that this process will take weeks, most likely months, as we continue to work to connect campers with services and clean the Greenway up.”
Medford Police Livability Team and our partners will continue these efforts along the greenway, with the goal of connecting individuals to resources, cleaning up the area, and reducing fire danger.
Background: The Medford City Council voted to approve the Prohibited Camping Ordinance on Friday, April 2. The ordinance provides clear time, place and manner regulations regarding sleeping or camping outside. Click here for more details on the prohibited camping ordinance.