CDCR

Conservation (Fire) Camps

Facts and figures

Total Staff (CDCR) 2009: 10
Total Staffing (CAL-FIRE/LAC) 2009: 9
Total # Inmates (as of 12/31/2009): 95

Camp Products

Metal Fabrication (Welding)

Community service projects

20 projects (60,496 HOURS) -- In 2009 Intermountain Crews worked for the California Department of Transportation, building shaded fuel breaks along Highway 299 over Adin Pass and along Highway 89 from Highway 44 to Dead Horse Summit. These projects provide better visibility of animals on the right-of-way. They also provide a fuel break for fire protection and vegetation control. Brushing allows sunlight to reach the right-of-way reducing ice pack in winter and providing better visibility of signs, roadside markers, and drainage obstructions. In addition, crews continued their support of the local community: helping to cleanup up the grounds of the Hillside Cemetery and painting outbuildings for the Big Valley School District. Crews continued their work for the Pit Resource Conservation District building a fuel break for the communities of Butte Creek and Knob Hill. Crews assisted the Inter-Mountain Fair of Shasta County with cleanup after the fair, built fence for the Ash Creek Wildlife Area and cleaned campgrounds in preparation of the camping season for the Department of Parks and Recreation at McArthur/Burney Falls State Park. Intermountain Conservation Camp provided the local communities with 20,040 hours of conservation-related project work. State agencies benefited from 35,936 hours and federal agencies - 4,520. Crews dedicated over 59,400 hours of fire suppression in 2009, responding to 41 fires.

Recycling: In 2009, Intermountain Camp recycled 6-1/2 tons of material.

Welcome to Intermountain Conservation Camp #22

651-025 Foothill Road, Bieber, CA 96009
PH: (530) 294-5361

Camp Staff

Mike Ackley, Correctional Lieutenant
Daren McBroome, Correctional Sergeant
Brad Putnam, Correctional Officer
Byron Connor, Correctional Officer
Dennis Swope, Correctional Officer
Adam Pfadt, Correctional Officer
Gary Martin, Correctional Officer
Steve Barnett, Correctional Officer
Robert Cole, Correctional Officer
Spencer Leighton, Correctional Officer

Camp History

Intermountain Camp began its history in 1959 when the California Division of Forestry (now known as the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or CAL FIRE) became interested in an 80-acre
parcel of land owned by a local rancher. CAL FIRE was interested in establishing a conservation camp on
this property. After conducting some leaching tests and negotiating with the landowner, the property was
purchased and construction began. The camp did not have a pipeline, pump or an adequate well at that
time. In fact, these components were not installed for six months during which time the camp was supplied with water by water tankers. The tankers made three deliveries a day, supplying 3500 gallons each time. The biggest problem the camp had was finding an adequate well. CAL FIRE was finally able to purchase an existing well on a small plot of land. The well provided the water the camp needed, but it also required over 2 ½ miles of pipeline from the well to the water tanks. In June of 1962 the camp was on line with water and ready for full operation.

Inmate Programs

The CDCR is responsible for the selection, supervision, care and discipline of the inmates. The CAL FIRE supervises the work of inmate fire crews and is responsible for the custody of inmates on their CAL FIRE work project activities. Both the CAL FIRE and CDCR supervise inmates in the maintenance and operation of the camp.

The majority of inmate laborers receive $1.45 per day for their work, such as laundry, clerk, barber, etc. Skilled inmate such as mechanics, clerks, plumbers, welders, carpenters and electricians, may earn up to $3.90 per day. While assigned to fighting fires or working on other declared emergencies, inmates earn $1.00 per hour. Earnings are retained in an inmate trust fund and are utilized to purchase items from the Camp Canteen or for use upon release to parole. During leisure time, inmates may participate in hobby craft, softball, basketball, horseshoes, reading or other activities. Their work activities and efforts during emergencies build a strong work ethic, and a feeling of self worth, and prepare the inmates for release back into their communities.