CDCR

Conservation (Fire) Camps

Facts and figures

Total Staff (CDCR) 2009: 10
Total Staffing (CAL-FIRE) 2009: 14
Total # Inmates (as of 12/31/2009): 109

Community service projects
Total number of projects 2009 Completed:
Eight project sponsors for 185,216 inmate work hours
80,254 emergency fire fighting inmate work hours

Total # projects 2010 (Estimated):
Eight sponsors

Project Descriptions:
Provides services for the promotion of conservation of human and natural resources with the following agency sponsors.
1. Cal Trans
2. Parks and Recreation
3. United States Forrest Service
4. National Parks
5. Humboldt County Roads
6. County Contracts
7. Bureau of Land Management
8. Local Government

Welcome to Alder Conservation Camp #20

Camp 20 logo

1400 Alder Camp Road
PO Box 906, Klamath, CA 95548
Phone: 707-482-451

Camp Staff (CDCR):

Correctional Lieutenant Brian Patton
Correctional Sergeant Jeff McBride
Correctional Officer Dan Pingree
Correctional Officer Teresa Mittelbuscher
Correctional Officer Ed Roane
Correctional Officer Harvey Hanover
Correctional Officer George Zenor
Correctional Officer Keith Reitz
Correctional Officer Ron Powers
Correctional Officer Curtis Gensaw
Division Chief Don Brooks
Fire Captain Tim Devos
Fire Captain Eric Rudesill
Fire Captain Steve Lloyd
Fire Captain Bill Weldon
Fire Captain Jose Simental
Fire Captain Dean Bryner
Fire Captain Doug Prouty
Fire Captain John Lentz
Fire Captain Dave Esteves
Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Leonard Swearinger
Water/Sewage Plant Operator Bill Coutant
Office Technician Sharon Long
One Vacant Fire Captain Post

Camp History

The Alder Conservation Camp was opened in April 1961. The Camp is jointly operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL-FIRE). The Camps’ primary mission is to provide inmate fire fighting crews for fire suppression activities in the Humboldt-Del Norte Ranger Unit Areas. In addition to fire suppression, inmate hand crews provide a work force for conservation and community service projects in the local area. In-camp, Alder’ has a CALFIRE Saw Mill and Wood Shop which produce lumber and wood products for tax supported governmental agencies.

The CDCR is responsible for the selection, supervision, care and discipline of the inmates. CALFIRE maintains the camp, supervises the work of inmate fire crews, and is responsible for custody of the inmate while on their daily CALFIRE project activities. CDCR staff may accompany the inmate fire crew when they respond out of the local area to provide for inmate security, care, and custody when no on emergency assignments to fires and other emergencies. Inmates must have 24 hour per day direct supervision while on work projects and while assigned to emergencies.

Inmate Programs

Narcotics and Alcohol Anonymous meetings
Religious faith based services
Hobby Craft program
Visiting program
Canteen program
College and other educational correspondence services available