CHAPTER 1. California Conservation Camp Program [4951. - 4958.]

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC 1.

in effect

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4951. Section 4951.

In enacting this chapter, it is the purpose of the Legislature to declare the existence of a California Conservation Camp program to provide for the training and use of the inmates and wards assigned to conservation camps in the furtherance of public conservation. It is the policy of this state to require the inmates and wards assigned to such camps to perform public conservation projects including, but not limited to, forest fire prevention and control, forest and watershed management, recreation, fish and game management, soil conservation and forest and watershed revegetation. In order to effect the maximum possible conservation and development of natural resources for the benefit of the people of this state, whenever reasonably possible, conservation projects of a multiple purpose nature shall be undertaken by the California Conservation Camps. The various agencies concerned with conservation projects shall consult and advise with each other to promote these multiple-purpose conservation projects and in order to achieve this goal may enter into such contracts as may be necessary.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4952. Section 4952.

As used in this chapter “California Conservation Camps” or “camps” means any camps now or hereafter established, as provided by law, for the purpose of receiving prisoners committed to the custody of the Director of Corrections and wards committed to the Director of the Youth Authority, and in which the work projects performed by the inmates or wards are supervised by employees of the department.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4953. Section 4953.

(a) The department shall utilize inmates and wards assigned to conservation camps in performing fire prevention, fire control, and other work of the department. At times it deems proper and on terms it deems wise, the department may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with a public agency, local, state, or federal, or with a qualified nonprofit organization that has a demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and complete a conservation project and meets other criteria, as determined by the department, for the performance of other conservation projects that are appropriate for those public agencies or that nonprofit organization under policies that shall be established by the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority. The charge for the service shall be determined by the director. All these contracts are subject to the approval of the director and the Director of General Services. (b) For the purposes of this section, “nonprofit organization” means any California corporation exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(5) of the federal Internal Revenue Code.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4956. Section 4956.

The conditions of work to be performed under such contracts or agreements shall be consistent with the requirements, as determined by the Director of Corrections and the Director of the Youth Authority, for maintaining control of inmates or wards committed to their respective custody.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4957. Section 4957.

Conservation camp inmates and wards may be utilized in the rescue of lost or injured persons, the saving of life, and the protection of property. The department may cooperate with local agencies of government to accomplish these purposes. The department may also, upon the request of the appropriate local agency, utilize conservation camp inmates and wards in the performance of watershed revegetation and related work necessary to prevent flood damage to land resulting from the destruction of vegetation by fire.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 4958. Section 4958.

Conservation camp inmates and wards may, upon the request of the appropriate public agency, be utilized in the performance of preventive maintenance or reconstruction of levees or of any other work necessary to prevent flood damage to land resulting from levee breaks or overflows.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026