Overview
.jpg)
The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) owns approximately 50 acres within the Sandy River Delta near Troutdale. This property is adjacent to roughly 1,500 acres owned by the US Forest Service. This area, known as the Thousand Acres recreation zone, is a biologically rich and ecologically sensitive landscape. Over time, it has also become a site of long-term, unauthorized overnight camping by people experiencing homelessness.
While DSL recognizes the complex challenges of unsheltered homelessness, this land is not suitable for habitation due to wildfire risk, flooding, and environmental degradation. In partnership with state and local agencies and service providers, DSL is working to restore the area while supporting individuals in connecting with housing and services.
_______________________________________________________________
Project Update
To support the next phase of restoration, the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) has extended the closure of state-owned lands at the Sandy River Delta through January 31, 2026.
Outreach to individuals camping overnight in the area has been ongoing throughout the summer and fall, led by the Multnomah County Homeless Services Department and The Salvation Army. These teams have made repeated visits to the site to build trust, share information, and offer connections to shelter and services.
On September 15, cleanup and restoration efforts entered a new phase. On September 26, legal notices were posted at remaining occupied camps, informing residents of the upcoming closure and the need to vacate by October 1.
As of October 1, enforcement of the closure has begun. In the coming weeks:
- DSL’s contractor, Rapid Response, will continue removing the remaining personal property, materials, and debris from the site.
- DSL’s security contractor will provide ongoing monitoring to prevent the return of unauthorized camping.
- The Salvation Army will remain engaged in the area, continuing to offer services and support to people experiencing homelessness.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
What Happened Summer 2025
In May 2025, DSL closed the site to begin cleanup and restoration. However, shortly after work began, tensions escalated between protesters and the cleanup team. Several incidents occurred, including the use of pepper spray by a contractor and multiple calls to law enforcement. These events raised serious concerns about the safety of everyone involved—staff, contractors, protesters, residents, and service providers.
After evaluating the situation, the decision to pause cleanup operations was made. The Department’s initial attempt to begin cleanup and restoration at the Sandy River Delta did not go as planned. We did not meet the standard of safety, care, or coordination that this work requires, and we take full responsibility for the outcome. We are listening to the concerns that have been raised, and we are committed to doing better, with greater care, clearer communication, and a renewed focus on safety and shared solutions.
What We’ve Done Since the Pause
Since pausing operations, DSL has worked closely with the Governor’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Multnomah County to reassess and rebuild our approach. Key steps include:
-
Listening and Learning: The project team has engaged with partners, advocates, and service providers to understand what went wrong and how to move forward more effectively.
-
Hiring a New Contractor: DSL is hiring Rapid Response, a contractor with extensive experience in trauma-informed engagement and field operations. This team is trained in de-escalation and respectful communication. They will work closely with outreach providers to ensure a coordinated, compassionate approach.
-
Strengthening Partnerships: We’ve entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Multnomah County to continue funding The Salvation Army’s outreach work through the fall. Outreach teams remain active on-site, offering support and helping people connect with housing and services.
Moving Forward
DSL is preparing to resume restoration work this fall, with a renewed focus on safety, dignity, and environmental stewardship. Our goals are to:
-
Support People: Outreach remains central to our efforts. We are committed to ensuring that people experiencing homelessness are treated with respect and have access to resources that support long-term stability.
-
Be Good Stewards of the Land: This area of the Sandy River Delta includes riverbank affected by the flow and rise of the Sandy and Columbia Rivers. These lands play a vital role in maintaining water quality, supporting fish and wildlife habitat, and sustaining the health of Oregon’s waterways. Restoration efforts will focus on removing debris, repairing damage, and allowing the land to recover naturally. This work is essential to protect sensitive ecosystems, reduce erosion, and ensure the area can continue to serve as a safe, sustainable public resource for generations to come.
-
Communicate Clearly: We will continue to provide updates to the public and partners as this work progresses.