CDCR-Vallecito Conservation Camp #1

You can support your loved ones at Vallecito Camp #1 on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 209-736-4922.

Vallecito Camp #1 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.

Vallecito Camp #1, jointly managed by CDCR and CAL FIRE, plays a crucial role in providing incarcerated hand crews for fire suppression and flood control efforts in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, as well as statewide. Established in 1958, the camp falls under the administrative oversight of Sierra Conservation Center (SCC).

CDCR oversees the security, supervision, care, and discipline of incarcerated participants, while CAL FIRE maintains the camp, supervises fire crew work, and ensures custody during daily projects. In emergencies, CDCR staff may accompany hand crews to provide additional support.

Participation in the Conservation Camp Program is voluntary, with no involuntary assignments. When not engaged in firefighting, incarcerated crew members undertake conservation and community service projects as determined by CAL FIRE.

Vallecito crew members contribute to various ongoing and completed projects, including hazardous fuel reduction, tree removal, watershed maintenance, campground upkeep, trail construction, and control burning. They collaborate with organizations such as NCPA, Big Trees State Park, Army Corps of Engineers, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, US Forest Service, Calaveras County Fairgrounds, and local water districts, schools, parks, and cemeteries.

Additionally, Vallecito maintains and operates a Food Dispensing Unit (FDU) capable of serving up to 350 meals in remote areas, dispatched to emergencies as needed. CAL FIRE also manages a Fire Hose testing and repair station for the Tuolumne-Calaveras Ranger Unit and local fire departments within the two counties, enhancing firefighting capabilities and infrastructure maintenance. Through these efforts, Vallecito Conservation Camp fulfills its mission of firefighting, community service, and supporting emergency response operations in the region.

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.