LANE COUNTY, Ore. — With the seasonal rise of the McKenzie River expected within weeks, there’s concern over the contents of homeless camps on an island near the Rodakowski Boat Landing flowing into the river.
Camps on islands in local rivers is a common problem according to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office because it’s a safer option than camping on riverbanks where there’s more foot traffic.
But when the water rises in the winter, the Sheriff’s Office says latrines, fuels for fires, and personal items inevitably drift into the water from camps that range from well kept to completely unsanitary…