BOISE, Idaho — The Garden City Police Department is asking for volunteers to help clean up a Boise River encampment at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 8.
Sergeant Rob Haynie said it is a big job for their small department to handle, along with the Public Works Department.
Camps overflowing with trash along the river are fairly uncommon, he said. The last time the police department cleaned up a similar camp was a few years ago.
"Most of our camps that we come across are pretty clean, where people are just...not wanting to stay at the shelters for various reasons," Haynie said. "But this camp is very extensive, mostly just garbage overflowing into the river, which causes a major problem and concern for us."
If the encampment does not get cleaned up soon, Haynie said rising water levels this spring would sweep all the trash into the river.
Police recently cited the man who started the camp last fall for polluting a waterway and illegal dumping. He was also arrested on unrelated warrants, Haynie said.
"Usually, we give people the opportunity to clean up their own camp," he said. "When we do contact individuals at these camps, we do everything we can before we move into litigation or citation or possibly even an arrest."
This camp went undetected for so long because it is set far back from the Greenbelt with lots of brush and vegetation, Haynie said.
Safety comes first during the cleanup Monday since there might be drug paraphernalia. He said volunteers should dress appropriately, including wearing thick work gloves.
The police department will also hand out garbage bags and latex gloves. Public Works will provide a dump truck.
People willing to help can park near E. 50th Street and the Greenbelt. Parking spots at the police department should also be available. Everyone will meet at the nearby cul-de-sac.
"We are just asking if the community wanted to come out and provide some support," Haynie said. "It can be a good win for the city and a good win for people to provide some community service."
People who come across encampments overflowing with garbage should call non-emergency dispatch.
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