The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office cleared an illegal homeless encampment near mile marker 297 along U.S. Highway 24, between Manitou Springs and Green Mountain Falls, according to a statement released on Apr. 8.
Residents in the area had reported signs of unauthorized camping and large amounts of trash being dumped near the site. One resident also said that people associated with the camp had trespassed onto private property.
Deputies visited the location on March 11 but did not find anyone at the campsite. Notices instructing individuals to vacate were posted throughout the area, along with information about community resources for those experiencing homelessness.
On March 25, El Paso County Code Enforcement returned with its contractor, Junk King, to clean up and restore the wilderness area. Deputies assisted during this operation due to concerns that someone might still be occupying the site. Crews found another man-made structure built from tree limbs and more evidence of illegal camping nearby. The cleanup removed enough debris to fill a small roll-off dumpster.
“These illegal encampments continue to create safety concerns for our residents and contribute to the pollution of the Pikes Peak region,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “My office will continue to monitor these areas and take appropriate action to keep our community safe while preserving the natural beauty of our lands.”
Officials say efforts will continue in monitoring similar sites in order to address safety issues and environmental impacts.