The Department of Enterprise Services has been coordinating with the City of Lacey, Community Action Council, Department of Ecology and other stakeholders to address concerns about encampments on DES-managed property near Desmond Drive and Martin Way. The actions align with guidance from the Attorney General's Office regarding addressing encampments during the pandemic and the Governor's short-term eviction moratorium.

There will not be a "sweep" to remove people from occupied sites. However, additional occupation in the area is not allowed.

Ongoing actions:

• The Community Action Council continues to engage people in existing encampments.

• Lacey Police Department is monitoring the area and preventing additional campers from moving in.

• DES is cleaning up campsites as they become abandoned.

• DES is supplying a large, designated dumpster that is emptied three times a week.

• DES staff are replacing missing no trespassing signs on an ongoing basis as the need arises. 

• DES property management is engaging with neighboring property owners and other key stakeholders on a regular basis for information sharing and to discuss proposed actions.

Past actions include:

2021

• Memorandum of Understanding with City of Lacey March 25, 2021.

• Baseline survey March 30 to determine how many camp sites there are, and how many are occupied.

• Clean up abandoned sites May 3-11, while respecting the personal property of persons in the occupied sites.
• Post "No Trespassing" signs in the area.

2020

• Clearing trees and brush in the area.

• Conducting an "in place" cleanup of areas outside of occupied sites.

• Providing trash bags and dumpsters.