City of Missoula Releases Weekly Urban Camping Report

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Have you ever wondered just how many urban camping sites there are in Missoula on a weekly basis?

The City of Missoula has all kinds of information in their weekly Urban Camping Update, and Friday’s report detailed urban camping information for the week ending August 4.

There were 40 Known Encampments in Missoula as of August 4

According to the information provided, the city reported approximately 40 known encampments within the city limits. Authorities responded to 27 complaints in the public right-of-way related to urban camping.

Trailers and RV’s are in violation if they are parked in the right of way for more than five days and have no plan for sanitation disposal and are leaking sewage or grey water.

The report states that the City Attorney’s office is working with the District Court about five trailers and three vehicles on Market Street. Residents there have been served and had three days to respond in court, as of August 4.

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All 35 RV's Reported in Violation have been Moved

Notices for removal from the public right of way were issued to all 35 RV’s that have not met compliance for health and safety issues on Tanager, Pine, Industrial, Alloy South, and Kestrel streets.

As of August 4, all 35 RV’s have moved.

The city’s Code Compliance Team in conjunction with Missoula Works has cleaned up various areas of the city lined with garbage that was left behind during urban camping. The compliance department also completed a clean-up on the Industrial of vacated trailers. The cost of that clean-up has been $1,320.

The Overall Cost of Cleaning up Urban Campsites has not been Determined

In the Kim Williams Trail area, the Parks staff along with Missoula Police, UM Police, and a U.S. Forest Service Ranger conducted a 2-day cleanup along 3 miles of the trail area. 30 cubic yards of debris were removed on August 3, with cleanup continuing into August 4.

Missoula Parks and Recreation reported that in city parks, 100 plus sharps had been found; multiple weapons had been identified; damage to the natural area included trees cut down, excavation of open pits, and surface vegetation removal.

The overall cost of cleanup is still being evaluated by the City of Missoula.

The information from this report can be found here.