2007 California Public Resources Code Chapter 1. California Conservation Camp Program

CA Codes (prc:4951-4958)

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.



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.




4953.  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 any public agency, local, state, or federal, for the
performance of other conservation projects which are appropriate for
those public agencies under policies which shall be established by
the Prison Industry 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.



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.



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.



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.