Illegal camping has been a growing issue for the American River Parkway. Now, with 2,000-3,000 illegal campers, the impact is going to be felt for years to come.
There is an environmental crisis on the Parkway with habitat destruction from fires, soil compaction, interruption of wildlife behaviors and decline in water quality. There is also a humanitarian crisis with unhoused living among trash and waste, leading to exposure to more disease.
The American River Parkway Foundation has always addressed the impact on the Parkway through clean-ups, habitat restoration and other programs. But the community asked us to step up and do more to lead the efforts to urge action.
In January 2022, the Parkway Foundation began to publicly pressure our local leaders and municipal staff. This included the release of our Demand Letter and development of the Voice of the Parkway Coalition.
See some of the other actions we’ve taken specifically to address illegal camping.
