CDCR-Sugar Pine Conservation Camp #9

You can support your loved ones at Sugar Pine Camp #9 on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 530-472-3027 x3028.

Sugar Pine Camp #9 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.

Sugar Pine Camp #9, operated jointly by CDCR and CAL FIRE, plays a pivotal role in providing incarcerated fire crews for fire suppression primarily in the Shasta County area and across the state. In addition to firefighting duties, camp hand crews actively respond to floods, engage in conservation projects, and undertake community service endeavors.

Established on June 24, 1988, Sugar Pine Conservation Camp is responsible for the security, supervision, care, and discipline of incarcerated participants, overseen by CDCR. Meanwhile, CAL FIRE manages the camp, supervises hand crews' work, and ensures their custody during daily CAL FIRE projects. During emergencies, CDCR staff may join hand crews to provide additional support and security.

Participation in the Conservation Camp Program is voluntary, with individuals opting to volunteer. No one is involuntarily assigned to the camp. Outside of fire suppression duties, incarcerated firefighters dedicate their time to conservation and community service projects, with CAL FIRE determining the specific projects.

Throughout each calendar year, Sugar Pine Conservation Camp contributes tens of thousands of work hours to local communities, state agencies, and federal agencies through conservation and work projects. The camp houses a CAL FIRE Engraving Shop staffed by camp volunteers, producing a variety of items such as signs, plaques, and nameplates for various agencies.

Moreover, the CAL FIRE Cabinet Shop, staffed with camp inmates, produces a wide range of items, from oak cabinets to unique birdhouses. Some of these projects are donated to charitable programs like Victims of Crime and the Women’s Refuge, highlighting the camp's commitment to community service and giving back to those in need. Through these initiatives, Sugar Pine Conservation Camp not only fulfills its primary mission of firefighting but also actively contributes to the betterment of society and the support of various charitable causes.

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, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. 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.