Federal forest authorities have initiated the clearance of thousands of acres near Bend, Oregon, where over 100 people have been residing in recreational vehicles and cars. An advocacy organization described this action as potentially the largest eviction of a homeless encampment in recent times.
In the early hours around 3:30 a.m., multiple U.S. Forest Service vehicles arrived at the entrance of a logging road deep within the Deschutes National Forest. Positioned strategically, the vehicles blocked access points while uniformed officers maintained a watchful presence. Residents were permitted to leave voluntarily, but re-entry without escort was prohibited.
Leading up to the midnight deadline on Thursday, those living in the forest hurried to repair and prepare their broken-down trucks, RVs, and cars to move them off federal land before the eviction took effect.
For several weeks prior, law enforcement and forest officials had been distributing notices by affixing flyers to vehicles and RVs scattered along the miles-long logging road. The warnings stated that anyone found trespassing after May 1 could face fines up to $5,000, misdemeanor charges, and up to a year in jail.
"This is all I have," said Richard Owens, 40, gesturing toward an RV he said was as old as himself. His belongings—including a shopping basket with dishes, a jerrycan of fuel, a bicycle, a ladder, drying laundry, and a dog cage—were scattered around the vehicle.
