REDMOND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues efforts to clear out a large area east of Redmond used as a transient camp. Captain Michael Shultz, Deschutes County Jail Commander, says the clean-up operation provides a valuable opportunity for inmates, "They can learn skills of using chainsaws, picking up debris; and take those skills to the public sector and look for jobs. These inmates will go out and clean up these sites, whether it’s removing human feces to debris and wood, all the way to cleaning up graffiti, as well, that’s on the road."

Patrol Captain Paul Garrison says, "We’ve got over 124 cubic yards of debris and tires – 51 tires – that were hauled off." He says the type of debris and trash runs the gamut, "They could be pallets, it could be discarded food. It’s been a collaborative effort between ourselves the Central Oregon Irrigation District, the Redmond School District, the Redmond Police Department, as well." The properties are owned by COID, the school district and the county. 

Eviction orders were issued in early June, but deputies are still working to contact each person living near 11th and East Antler; the remote area is a maze of dirt roads and campsites. Captain Garrison He says contacting people at each campsite has taken time, but most have been cooperative. One person was cited for trespassing, after refusing to leave.