Norco Conservation Camp #0

Norco Conservation Camp #0 is located in the city of Norco. The Navy established the facility in the early 1940s following the second closure of the Norconian Resort Supreme. The Navy used the Norconian Resort Supreme as a hospital following WWII and the Korean War.

Norco Conservation Camp was established in 1972. The camp is located just outside of California Rehabilitation Center’s (CRC) prison fence. Norco Conservation Camp receives inmates from CRC. Fire crews train at the camp.

In March of 1980, two female inmates participated in the Norco program with the women’s unit being assigned to in-camp support positions. Today, all of the Norco Conservation Camp inmates are male. The camp’s incarcerated firefighters reside within CRC, atypical of other CDCR Conservation Camps.

Hand crews also perform conservation and community service projects. CAL FIRE determines conservation projects.

Projects completed by camp participants include the creation of a fuel break system in the Ortega Mountains; hazard reductions in Lake Elsinore and Lake Perris; state park maintenance; various projects at facilities in the Riverside Ranger Unit, and periodic work at the regional office.

Norco Conservation Camp facilitates a sign shop. The sign shop products include: uniform name tags, vehicle striping and decals, CAL FIRE facility signs, plaques, Incident Command boards, other vinyl/laser engraved products and boards for state, county and city agencies.

In 1981, the first continuous “In-Camp Project” was officially initiated. This was the manufacturing of CAL FIRE uniform name tags and other engraved products on a statewide basis. Nametags and other plastic signs were also manufactured for CDCR.

Just as in every CDCR prison, every conservation camp offers rehabilitative and educational services, including substance abuse programs such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), religious programs, hobby crafts, and GED and college courses. Their efforts during emergencies build a strong work ethic and a feeling of self-worth. As a result, these activities prepare camp participants for successful integration back into their communities upon release.

For more stories featuring current and former Conservation (Fire) Camp Program participants, read Inside CDCR.

Visiting can be a critical part of an incarcerated person’s rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Scheduling Visits at Conservation (Fire) Camps page.