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Intermountain Conservation Camp #22

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Camp Details

Contact Info

  • 24 Foothill Road, Bieber, CA 96009
  • (530) 294-5361

CDCR Camp Staff

  • Lt. J. Micone, Camp Commander
  • Sgt. A. Pfadt, Assistant Camp Commander

2021 Camp Statistics

  • CDCR Staff: 8
  • Total number of inmates: 48
  • Total inmate capacity: 80

Camp Products

  • Metal Fabrication (Welding)

Community Service Projects

Intermountain Crews worked for the California Department of Transportation, building a shaded fuel break along Highway 299 over Hatchet Mountain. They also worked on shaded fuel breaks for the Shasta County Road Department along Dana/Glenburn Road, Clark Creek Road, and Goose Valley Road. These projects provide better visibility of animals on the right-of-way. Brushing along roadways allows sunlight to reach the right-of-way, reducing ice pack in winter and providing better visibility of signs, roadside markers, and drainage obstructions.

Crews built fuel breaks for fire protection and vegetation control for two local fire safe councils in the communities of Little Valley and Mt. Shasta. In addition, they completed fuel breaks around the town of Burney and the community of Cassel. They helped clean up the grounds of the Hillside Cemetery and assisted the Big Valley and Fall River School Districts with several painting projects. Crews continued their work for the Pit Resource Conservation District restoring wildlife habitat in Ash Valley and at Juniper Lake by reducing juniper.

Crews assisted the Inter-Mountain Fair of Shasta County in preparation of the fair, built a fence for the Ash Creek Wildlife Area and U.S. Forest Service, cleaned campgrounds in preparation of the camping season for the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of Land Management and provided fire defense improvement for the Adin Community Services District, Mayer’s Memorial Hospital District, the Adin and Lookout Fire Protection Districts and the Bieber and Burney Water Districts.

Intermountain Conservation Camp provides the local communities with tens of thousands of hours of project and conservation work each year.

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 the 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 3,500 gallons each time. The biggest problem the camp initially 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 2.5 miles of pipeline from the well to the water tanks. In June 1962, the camp was on line with water and ready for full operation.

Inmate Programs

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

The majority of camp volunteers receive $2.67 per day for their work, such as laundry, clerk, barber, etc. Skilled incarcerated workers 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 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.