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Francisquito Conservation Camp #4

Francisquito Conservation Camp Logo

Camp Details

Contact Info

  • 35100 N. San Francisquito Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
  • (661) 296 – 4409

CDCR Camp Staff

  • Lt. Nunez, Camp Commander
  • Sgt. Pierce, Assistant Camp Commander

2021 Camp Statistics

  • CDCR Staff: 8
  • Total number of inmates: 50
  • Total inmate capacity: 80

Camp Products

  • Paint refurbish equipment for local agencies

Community Service Projects

  • Fuel Reduction
  • Fuel Breaks
  • Trail Maintenance and Repair
  • Motorway Maintenance For Utility/Emergency Use
  • Watershed Maintenance with DWP Partners
  • Cleanup of Local Parks and Campgrounds
  • Hazard Reduction For Local Non-Profits

Inmate Programs

  • Self Help Education-Ged
  • College Correspondence Programs
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Canteen Program
  • Hobby Craft Programs
  • Narcotics Anonymous
  • Religious Services
  • Saw Classes
  • Visiting Program

Camp History

Francisquito Conservation Camp, CC#4, under the administrative supervision of Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) was opened in October 1981. The camp is jointly operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAC). The camp was previously used as a Los Angeles County fire-training center prior to the opening as a CDCR and LAC inmate fire suppression camp. Incarcerated crews are utilized on wild land fire suppression as well as county conservation assignments, including maintenance of the California Aqueduct, local parks, and fire stations. The camp inmates work primarily in Los Angeles County, but may be called upon to work throughout the state in fire suppression efforts.

CDCR is responsible for the selection, supervision, care, and discipline of the inmates. The LAC maintains the camp, supervised work of the inmate fire crews, and is responsible for the custody of the inmates on their daily work project activities.

Inmate Benefits

Inmates are paid for their work. The majority are laborers who receive $2.45 per day for their work. Skilled inmates may earn up to $5.12 per day. Skilled inmates include mechanics, clerks, plumbers, welders, carpenters and electricians. The lead cook and clerk may earn up to $4.90 per day. While assigned to fighting fires or working on other declared emergencies, inmates may earn an additional $1.00 per hour. Inmates may purchase items from the camp canteen such as cosmetics, correspondence materials and food items. Inmates retain their earnings in an inmate trust fund to assist their families, repay court ordered restitution, or for their use upon release or parole.

During their leisure time, inmates may participate in hobby craft, softball, basketball, horseshoes, reading or other activities. Spiritual services are provided by community volunteers. Francisquito also facilitates off site college courses, GED preparation, as well as AA/NA meetings. Inmates quickly learn that life at a conservation camp is more desirable than serving time behind the walls of a prison. Their work activities and efforts during emergencies build a strong work ethic, and a feeling of self-worth. These activities prepare the inmates for a successful integration back into their communities upon release.