County tackles illegal encampments with partnerships and persistence
By JJ FLETCHER
For several years, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has been quietly doing some of the hardest work in local government — helping the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulate and reduce illegal camping and squatting on public and private lands across our county. This isn’t a new challenge, but it’s one that has grown as housing costs, limited mental-health options, and statewide enforcement gaps have converged.
Mesa County’s geography makes this issue particularly complex. We are a public-lands county with vast open spaces and limited federal enforcement presence. The BLM has only a small number of law enforcement rangers responsible for thousands of acres of land. That means the Sheriff’s Office often steps in to fill the gap, partnering with federal and state agencies to protect both property rights and public safety.
Over time, some individuals have learned to exploit the system. They identify privately owned, unimproved parcels — land with no homes, fencing, or active maintenance — and use them as long-term campsites. These properties quickly become eyesores and public-safety hazards. For law enforcement, the situation is further complicated by Colorado’s squatters’ rights laws and the difficulty of the civil-eviction process.
In early 2025, the Sheriff’s Office dedicated new resources and set a clear objective: to clean up the most egregious illegal encampments and restore these areas for lawful public and private use. Working with property owners and the BLM, the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) identified several priority locations, including the 29 Road area north of Interstate 70 — one of the most heavily impacted spots in the county.
These north-desert corridors — 25 Road, 27¼ Road, 29 Road — are some of Mesa County’s most popular access points for off-road recreation. Unfortunately, their proximity to city services also makes them attractive to those seeking to live long-term in RVs or tents. While short-term camping on public land is legal for up to 15 days, long-term habitation, squatting, or “homesteading” on public, state, or county lands is not.
As BLM enforcement increased and the city began addressing illegal camping in town, some individuals moved onto private land where federal officers have no authority. That’s when the Sheriff’s Office stepped in — addressing trespassing, theft, littering, and other violations, while coordinating with Code Enforcement and the affected landowners.
Progress You Can See
The results over the past year show measurable progress in multiple areas across Mesa County:
■ Colorado State Land Board property: Roughly 15 to 20 camps were identified early this year, with more than 35 individuals contacted by deputies. Only a few encampments remain, pending final eviction paperwork before a full cleanup and restoration.
■ Airport-area parcels: Approximately nine to 11 camps remain after every occupant was either notified or served with eviction notices earlier this month. Once the legal process is complete, cleanup, trenching, and fencing will follow to prevent re-establishment of sites.
■ Privately owned parcels: Several privately held, unimproved lots have been used repeatedly for long-term encampments. The Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement teams continue to work closely with those property owners through the civil-eviction process. While progress has been slower in some areas, others have taken proactive steps such as trenching, fencing, and restricting access to prevent reoccurrence.
These aren’t just numbers — they represent real progress in restoring public safety and environmental integrity. Many of these sites contained dozens of abandoned RVs, piles of trash, and hazardous waste. Cleanups require coordination between law enforcement, property owners, and waste-management teams, often at significant cost to the landowners.
Balancing Enforcement and Compassion
Throughout this process, the Sheriff’s Office has emphasized outreach first — connecting individuals with available services, shelter options, and legal alternatives for parking or camping.
In most cases, those offers were declined. Enforcement is always the last resort, but we cannot allow our open spaces and private properties to become long-term, unregulated settlements.
Mesa County is proud to support responsible recreation, land stewardship, and private property rights. These enforcement actions are not about punishing people — they’re about protecting the land and the community. Illegal dumping, trespassing, and environmental damage affect everyone, from nearby homeowners to outdoor enthusiasts and taxpayers who ultimately share the cleanup cost.
Looking Ahead
This is ongoing work. The Sheriff’s Office, BLM, and property owners continue to collaborate, learning from each cleanup and improving coordination across jurisdictions. The goal is simple: to uphold the law while ensuring that Mesa County remains a safe, clean, and welcoming place for everyone.
As we move forward, I want to thank our Sheriff’s Office team for their tireless efforts, and the many property owners who have partnered with us in good faith. This is what local government looks like at its best — neighbors, public servants, and landowners working side-by-side to solve tough problems the right way.
Mesa County will continue balancing compassion with accountability, and enforcement with education. We’ve made meaningful progress — and we’re not done yet.
