BUTTE — A sign posted by Butte-Silver Bow County prohibits camping and overnight parking near the entrance to a popular walking trail, but residents say people are camping there anyway — and they are concerned about crime tied to the camps.
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About eight people are camping on land located north of Blacktail Creek near the public walking trail. The state's online property database, Montana Cadastral, is not clear whether the camps sit on public or private land.
Tammie Joseph, a homeowner in the area, said she no longer feels safe using the trail.
"I used to walk my dogs and walk the walking trail, and I won't go down there anymore, and I hear people talking about it all the time that they won't go down and walk down there anymore," she said.
Joseph said she is concerned about theft, drugs, fighting, and wildfires she believes are connected to the camps.
"You know, I dread going to sleep at night because I just... I know my dogs are going to start barking, and I'm going to get up and look and make sure everybody's okay."
She said the activity near her home has intensified in recent months.
"This summer has been really bad. There's a lot of foot traffic starting about 11 o'clock at night til about 2 o'clock in the morning and then it starts back up about 4:30."
Neighbor Dan Hall echoed those concerns.
"You know, who knows what they're doing down there. They've created a few fires this year," he said.
A photo taken by Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department shows a firefighter battling a blaze earlier this summer that started in a field just off Pinion Avenue near the camps.
Cozette George, who has lived in Butte for 25 years, is one of the people camping in the area. She said she and others are waiting for housing.
"We're just trying to get into a home. We're just waiting. There's a waiting list."
George said she chose the location for practical reasons.
"Cause it's nice, and the dogs like it."
George said she cannot move into Butte's shelter because it does not accept animals. Despite the presence of drug paraphernalia and litter near her camp, she said she does not consider the area dangerous.
When asked what will happen when winter arrives, George said she hopes to have housing before then.
"Well, hopefully we'll have something before then. We're...Like I said it's a waiting list," she said.
Butte-Silver Bow County Sheriff Ed Lester said multiple departments are working together to address the situation.
"Law enforcement, Community Enrichment, and the Parks Department are working together to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in moving from the area and connecting them with available resources. Some individuals are experiencing homelessness due to the recent condemnation of an apartment building in the Uptown area. Others are currently on waiting lists for housing. As colder weather approaches, we are actively encouraging individuals to seek out available housing, shelter, and other supportive resources. We understand that the situation is a cause for concern, and we are working to identify the best possible solution for a difficult situation."
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