CDCR-Eel River Conservation Camp #31

CDCR Fire Camp

Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Address
3850 Redwood Dr, Redway, CA 95560
Beds
110
County
Humboldt
Phone
707-923-2755
Mailing Address
PO Box 819, Redway, CA 95560

Eel River Camp #31 is for CDCR Fire Camp offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

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Satellite View of CDCR-Eel River Conservation Camp #31

You can support your loved ones at Eel River Camp #31 on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 707-923-2755.

Eel River Camp #31 is a minimum-security facility under CDCR supervision, this camp plays a crucial role in supporting government agencies during emergency responses to wildfires, floods, and other natural or man-made disasters. Additionally, camp crews contribute to park maintenance, assist with flood mitigation through sandbagging, and participate in reforestation projects. Participation in the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program is entirely voluntary for incarcerated individuals. Those who choose to volunteer must meet specific eligibility criteria aimed at ensuring public safety. These include avenues for criminal record expungement, creating new pathways for employment, and aiding in their successful reintegration into society.

Eel River Conservation Camp #31 operates as a collaborative effort between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), with a core focus on providing essential hand crews for fire suppression efforts. Established on February 2, 1967, the camp's mission extends beyond firefighting to encompass flood response, conservation projects, and community services.

Through its active participation in emergency responses to fires, floods, and various project works, Eel River Conservation Camp has demonstrated substantial cost savings exceeding a million dollars annually for California taxpayers. Notable projects include extensive contributions to public schools, state parks, roadways, and U.S. land improvement initiatives, including the successful implementation of a camp recycling program. The camp's CAL FIRE project centers around a carpentry wood shop supplying the Humboldt/Del Norte CAL FIRE Unit and the preparation of firewood for the local senior center.

In addition to firefighting duties, hand crews undertake diverse conservation and community service projects under the guidance of CAL FIRE, providing tens of thousands of work hours to local, state, and federal agencies throughout the calendar year. Projects range from work with the Southern Humboldt Unified School District and Humboldt Redwoods State Park to contributions to the Eel River Salmon Restoration Project and local road maintenance efforts.

Eel River Conservation Camp is equally committed to the rehabilitation and education of its participants, offering a comprehensive array of services to support their personal growth and successful reintegration into society. These services include substance abuse programs like Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), religious programs, and access to GED and college courses. The camp's emphasis on emergency response fosters a strong work ethic and instills a sense of self-worth among participants, contributing to their readiness for reintegration upon release.

Furthermore, Eel River Camp provides opportunities for leisure and personal development during off-work hours, with hobby-craft programs, weight training facilities, music appreciation sessions, and other recreational activities available to participants. Visiting hours, typically held on weekends, offer families the chance to connect with their loved ones, with the option to bring picnic lunches for these visits.

The camp also hosts a variety of programs in collaboration with local volunteers, including Jehovah's Witness meetings, Eel River Christian services, group Bible studies, and the facilitation of DMV programs for California identification and driver's licenses. Additionally, camp gardening projects and contributions to victims of crime initiatives further enrich the camp's community engagement efforts, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility among participants and volunteers alike.

Connect with your Inmate

The camp offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, and on holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in California. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at CDCR-Eel River Conservation Camp #31.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

Visiting can be a critical part of an incarcerated person’s rehabilitation.

For more information, visit the Scheduling Visits at Conservation (Fire) Camps page.

Frequently Asked Questions

17 FAQs specifically for CDCR Fire Camps, which are operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). These camps house minimum-security inmates who provide crucial wildfire suppression and emergency response services. These FAQs cover eligibility, training, inmate compensation, supervision, and release procedures.


CDCR-Eel River Conservation Camp #31 – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are CDCR Fire Camps?
      CDCR Fire Camps, also known as Conservation Camps, house minimum-security inmates who assist in wildfire suppression, disaster response, and community service projects in California.

  2. Who is eligible to participate in a CDCR Fire Camp?
      Inmates must meet specific criteria, including being minimum-security, having good behavior, and being medically fit. Those convicted of arson, sexual offenses, or violent crimes are typically ineligible.

  3. How do inmates get selected for a Fire Camp?
      Eligible inmates go through a screening process that evaluates their behavior, security level, and physical ability. They must complete a rigorous firefighting training program before deployment.

  4. What kind of training do inmates receive before joining a Fire Camp?
      Inmates undergo extensive physical and classroom training, learning wildfire suppression tactics, emergency response, and safety procedures under the supervision of CAL FIRE.

  5. How many Fire Camps are there in California?
      CDCR operates approximately 35 Conservation Camps in partnership with CAL FIRE, the California Office of Emergency Services, and local agencies.

  6. Do inmates get paid for working in Fire Camps?
      Yes, inmates earn a small daily wage and additional hazard pay when actively deployed on firefighting missions. Their earnings can be used for commissary, restitution, and personal expenses.

  7. What tasks do inmates perform besides firefighting?
      In addition to fire suppression, inmates assist with flood control, clearing brush, maintaining hiking trails, and helping with disaster recovery efforts throughout California.

  8. Are Fire Camp inmates supervised?
      Yes, all Fire Camp crews operate under the direct supervision of CDCR officers and CAL FIRE personnel to ensure safety, accountability, and effective operations.

  9. What happens if an inmate violates the rules at a Fire Camp?
      Rule violations can result in removal from the program, transfer back to a traditional prison, and possible disciplinary actions that impact parole eligibility.

  10. Can inmates earn early release through the Fire Camp program?
      Yes, participation in Fire Camps can lead to sentence reductions based on earned time credits, good behavior, and program completion.

  11. Are inmates at risk while working on wildfires?
      Yes, firefighting is inherently dangerous. However, inmates receive extensive safety training, protective equipment, and supervision to minimize risks.

  12. Can family members visit inmates at Fire Camps?
      Yes, most Fire Camps allow scheduled visitation, but visits may be impacted by emergency deployments or camp-specific regulations.

  13. What happens to an inmate after they complete their time at a Fire Camp?
      Once released, inmates may transition back into society with valuable firefighting experience, and some may pursue careers in firefighting or emergency response.

  14. Can former Fire Camp inmates become professional firefighters?
      While some barriers exist due to criminal records, California has programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain firefighting certifications and employment.

  15. How does the public benefit from CDCR Fire Camps?
      Fire Camps provide crucial wildfire suppression support, help reduce state emergency response costs, and assist in environmental conservation projects.

  16. Are CDCR Fire Camps considered part of California’s prison system?
      Yes, Fire Camps are operated by CDCR, but they provide a lower-security, rehabilitative environment focused on work and skill-building instead of traditional incarceration.

  17. How can inmates apply for the Fire Camp program?
      Inmates can request consideration through their correctional counselors, who will review eligibility criteria, behavior records, and physical fitness to determine suitability

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