Eastern edge of Butler Hike and Bike Trail reopens after Austin clears encampments

Austin Public Health's Homeless Strategy Division led the effort with support from the city parks, watershed protection, resource recovery and police departments. The parkland will remain closed Feb. 22 while the removal of individuals and their belongings as well as additional debris and other "unsanitary conditions" continues. City officials said they hope to make environmental repairs and allow for revegetation after the clearing.

⚠ The Butler Trail between International Shores and Longhorn Dam is temporarily closed. Through traffic should follow the arrows on the map and the detour signs posted on site. pic.twitter.com/UyymrWaVRH

— Austin Parks & Rec (@AustinCityParks) February 22, 2022

The Feb. 22 lakeshore enforcement was not carried out as part of Austin's Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link, or HEAL, initiative aimed at moving people experiencing homelessness into shelter. With local shelters at capacity, the cleanup saw at least 30 people living in the area asked to leave without a housing option.

The encampment clearing comes as the city struggles to keep pace with the enforcement of its reinstated camping ban while supporting a buildup of local housing space for those experiencing homelessness. The city operates two bridge shelters along I-35, and two refurbished apartment complexes for those exiting homelessness could open in Northwest Austin by late 2022.

"City leaders continue to caution that overall community crisis shelter capacity remains extremely limited. For as long as this is the case, as encampments are cleared in one location, the number of tents will inevitably grow in other areas," the city spokesperson said.