Multiple Fort Collins agencies worked together to remove a large encampment in a local public park early this morning. The illegal camp was initially reported in September, 2024. Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) has contacted the occupants on several occasions, notifying them of the City’s camping ordinance and offering assistance to connect them with services that are designed to help those who are unhoused.

Over approximately five months, the camp had become the source of additional criminal activity, including recreation violations, disturbances, stolen bicycles, public health and safety, and harboring runaway juveniles. FCPS Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement (HOPE) team attempted cleanup of the camp multiple times and have written various citations to the occupants of the encampment.

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, HOPE provided the camp’s occupants with a final notice to clean up the camp and clear the area. Today, HOPE, District 1 and the Strategic Operations Group (SOG) worked with Fort Collins Natural Area Rangers, Parks Rangers, and Animal Control to carry out a search warrant, dismantle the camp and clean up the area. In total, 30 bikes or frames, 95 bike tires, six shopping carts, six propane tanks, approximately 20 cubic yards of waste and 80 sharps were removed. Four stolen bikes were also recovered. Warrants were authored for two known individuals inhabiting the area for the following Municipal misdemeanor charges:

· Camping on public property

· Accumulation of rubbish

· Damage or removal of object in a recreation area

· Releasing a hazardous substance in a recreation area

· Discharging a pollutant onto public property

Ultimately, four individuals were arrested on a total of 19 warrants. Items of value and personal documents were collected for safekeeping. Chief of Police, Jeff Swoboda, said, “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."

The camp was located along the Poudre Trail, near Lee Martinez Park. To assist the area’s recovery, fencing and signage were erected to discourage public use and protect natural resources and wildlife habitat.

Charges are merely an accusation by law enforcement and all suspects must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.