CDCR-Mountain Home Conservation Camp #10

You can support your loved ones at Mountain Home Camp #10 on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 559-539-3151.

Mountain Home Camp #10 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.

Mountain Home Conservation Camp #10, overseen by the Sierra Conservation Center and jointly operated by CDCR and CAL FIRE, plays a vital role in providing incarcerated fire crews for fire suppression efforts in Tulare and Kern Counties, with the flexibility to respond statewide. Since its inception, the camp has also been committed to completing conservation and community service projects in the local area.

Established in 1947 in Mountain Home State Forest, the camp initially accommodated a 20-man team, later expanding to a 30-man spike camp in 1955. In 1959, under the direction of Governor Edmund G. Brown, construction began on the current Mountain Home Conservation Camp, which became the first mobile conservation camp in 1960. This innovative approach utilized 13 semi-trailer rigs to house the camp's inmates and staff during construction.

Responsibilities are divided between CDCR and CAL FIRE, with CDCR ensuring security, supervision, and care of the inmates, while CAL FIRE maintains the camp, supervises work crews, and oversees custody during daily projects. Hand crews undertake a range of tasks, from fire suppression to conservation and community service projects, with CAL FIRE determining the focus of conservation efforts.

Mountain Home Conservation Camp is integral to various projects, including those for Mountain Home State Forest, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Tulare County Road Department, among others. Notably, the camp participates in the Tree Mortality Task Force, addressing the challenge of millions of dead trees statewide. In-camp projects include a Sign Shop providing redwood signs and plaques for state agencies, along with a full-time lumber mill producing materials for custom wood furnishings and other projects.

Through its dedicated efforts, Mountain Home Conservation Camp demonstrates a commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and skill development, contributing significantly to the well-being of the local community and beyond.

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.