EUGENE, Ore. -- The city of Eugene is trying to address the homeless crisis by cleaning up illegal homeless camps.

Officials from Parks and Open Space cleaned up over 3,000 pounds of trash at an island along the Willamette River under the Ferry Street bridge Tuesday morning.

With the help of a Lane County Sheriff’s Office crew, Parks and Open Space employees found clothes, food, bedding and other bio hazards.

Officials said there were about 15 to 20 campers occupying the space for the last two months, and they said it’s one of the worst camps they’ve ever had to clean up.

"I don't enjoy it. Since we're stewards, that's our primary responsibility -- to be stewards to the parks,” said city employee Troy Brown. “This flies in the face of all that. Not great, but somebody's got to do it, and I'm happy I get to do it."

This particular spot was on the city’s priority list due to complaints from the community and the fear of trash getting into the water.

Since the land around the Willamette River is owned by the state, the city can't keep homeless people from camping on the islands overnight.

Joe Woksmundski, the lead ambassador for Parks and Open Space, said they need regulations to keep the parks clean and safe.

"It really is a nice site," said Woksmundski. "It's almost in the middle of the river, and it's a great opportunity for people. We're just hoping to keep this clean and keep the environment less stressed."

Right now, the city is working with the Department of State Land to implement rules that prohibit the use of islands while parks are closed, which is 11 p.m. through 6 p.m. in Eugene.