Every community along the Columbia River has problems with people living in tents in the riparian habitats (areas adjacent to a river). Umatilla is the latest to do something about it.

Occasionally people sneak into a wooded area of Leslie Grove Park. We work on A Street which sometimes sees tents hidden in the brush along Chiawana Trail. Kennewick has plenty of places to hide a tent.

These people accidentally set fires, litter and defecate in sensitive habitat, and infrequently attack joggers. Besides that, we're heading into fall and winter and people freeze in those tents.

Umatilla cleaned out areas in April, and are seeking legal grounds to arrest people if necessary.

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