Eel River Conservation Camp #31
Eel River Conservation Camp #31 is run cooperatively run by CDCR and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The camp’s primary mission is to provide incarcerated hand crews for fire suppression. These crews also provide a work force for floods, conservation projects and community services.
Contact Information
Address
- Street Address: 850 Eel River Camp Road, Redway CA 95560
- Mailing Address: PO Box 819, Redway, CA 95560
Phone
(707) 923-2755
CDCR Camp Staff
- Lt. M. Hagler, Camp Commander
- Sgt. D. Reames, Assistant Camp Commander
- Sgt. J. Tijerina, Assistant Camp Commander
About Eel River Conservation Camp #31
Eel River Conservation Camp #31 opened on February 2, 1967.
It is estimated through the emergency responses to fires, floods, and project work Eel River Conservation Camp provided cost avoidance in excess of a million dollars per year to the taxpayers of California. Noteworthy projects include extensive work at various public schools, State Parks, State/County roadways and U.S. land improvement to include a successful camp recycling program.
Eel River Conservation Camp’s CAL FIRE project is a carpentry wood shop supplying the Humboldt/Del Norte CAL FIRE Unit. The camp also prepares firewood for the local senior center.
Hand crews also perform conservation and community service projects. CAL FIRE determines conservation projects. During the calendar year, Eel River Conservation Camp provides the local communities, stage agencies and federal agencies with tens of thousands of work hours.
- Southern Humboldt Unified School District
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District (RID)
- Humboldt County Roads
- Local community service district
- Eel River Salmon Restoration Project (Leggett Creek)
Programs and Services
Just as in every CDCR prison, every conservation camp offers rehabilitative and educational services, including substance abuse programs such as Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA), religious programs, and GED and college courses. Their efforts during emergencies build a strong work ethic and a feeling of self-worth. Together, these activities prepare the camp participants for a successful integration back into their communities upon release.
Camp volunteers can participate in hobby-crafts programs, weight training, music appreciation program and other leisure time activities during their off work-time hours. Visiting is conducted during weekends and families can bring picnic lunches for the visits.
Eel River Camp hosts a variety of programs in conjunction with local volunteers:
- Jehovah Witness meetings
- Eel River Christian services
- Group Bible Study
- DMV – California I.D. and driver’s license program
- Victims of crime donations
- Camp gardening projects
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.