As part of its effort to be a good steward of the natural areas on local waterways, the University of Oregon is beginning a clean up of its riverfront property north of campus on the south bank of the Willamette River.

Several brushy spots along the riverfront have been used as illegal campsites in recent months. Most of the campsites identified on UO property are currently unoccupied, but a lot of debris has been left behind. 

Not only does the university have an obligation to keep its natural areas clean and untrampled, but the partially hidden campsites also tend to attract illicit behavior. Police have found stolen property belonging to students and UO community members at some spots, and with the academic year under way, the university is obliged to reduce possible safety threats to students and employees who use nearby trails.

The university is posting notices at the illegal sites, in English and Spanish, about the coming cleanup and the process for reclaiming any salvageable items. A similar process has been used successfully by the city of Eugene in other areas.

The university also will work with local service organizations that help homeless people to make sure any campers still on the property are aware of local shelter and assistance resources. 

To allow for notification and for the safe and complete removal of possible hazardous materials and other waste, the university's cleanup effort will begin with vacated camps on Oct. 3 and then continue through the month of October, with service organizations assisting with any partially occupied sites.

The university is working closely with two other nearby riverfront property owners ― the city of Eugene and the Union Pacific Railroad ― to coordinate cleanup activities. The early phases of the UO's work will coincide with the sixth annual Great Willamette Clean Up on Oct. 4.

―By Kelly McIver, UO Police Department