3/14/24 Parks and Recreation News 

West Broadway Islands temporarily closed through 3/22/24

To our Westside and Northside Neighbors:

The West Broadway Island Natural Area will be temporarily closed from March 14 through March 22 to remove unauthorized campsites and clean the area. Camping at the site has created public health and safety concerns that Parks and Recreation crews must address before reopening the area.

We apologize for the short notice and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, Clark Fork River water levels are expected to rise this week and continue rising through early April. To protect water quality, city crews must remove debris and hazardous materials from the area before they are washed downstream during spring runoff. In addition, Parks staff found that more extensive site remediation and restoration are needed than initially expected.

The City remains committed to assisting our unhoused neighbors. When we determine that a camp must be evacuated and cleaned up due to public health, safety, or environmental hazards, the Missoula Police Department, the Poverello Center’s Homeless Outreach Team and staff from the Hope Rescue Mission contact the people camping in public places to offer alternatives and solutions. After assistance has been offered, we post the area with at least a two-day notification for campers to remove their belongings. City staff then work to remove all hazards, including garbage, hypodermic needles and other hazardous materials.

In addition, Mayor Davis took a proactive step by convening the City’s Urban Camping Working Group last month. This group is charged with suggesting approaches to mitigate the difficult impacts of urban camping on both unhoused and housed neighbors across Missoula. The group is holding a series of working meetings between February and April, with time reserved for residents to comment. Learn more about the Working Group and the City’s response to houselessness at https://www.engagemissoula.com/safe-shelter.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns regarding the management of West Broadway Island, please email us at parksrec@ci.missoula.mt.us or contact Conservation Lands Manager Jeff Gicklhorn at 406-552-6691. Please report trespassing during the closure to 911. 

Use our online complaint form to report a camp in a public area causing health or safety concerns or blocking access to public spaces. As always, if you or others are in immediate danger or you believe a crime is being committed, call 911.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this temporary closure.