La Cima Conservation Camp #42
La Cima Conservation Camp #42 is jointly operated by CDCR and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The primary mission of the camp is to provide incarcerated hand crews to support local, state, and federal agencies in their response to emergencies such as fires and floods. Camp participants also complete community service and conservation projects year-round.
Contact Information
Address
15108 Sunrise Highway, Julian, CA 92036
Phone
(760) 765-3085
CDCR Camp Staff
- Lt. Parsons, Camp Commander
- Sgt. Ramirez, Assistant Camp Commander
About La Cima Conservation Camp #42
La Cima Conservation Camp #42 opened in November 1966. Over the years, La Cima has been home to both state and county fire crews. La Cima Camp became a teaching, training and fire facility maintained and was operated by CAL FIRE in cooperation with the California Conservation Corps.
In October 2004, La Cima reopened under the administrative supervision of CDCR’s Sierra Conservation Center. La Cima is once again operated jointly with CDCR and CAL FIRE. La Cima Conservation Camp is located in East San Diego County.
Hand crews also perform conservation and community service projects. CAL FIRE determines conservation projects.
La Cima’s ongoing and completed projects include:
- Sunrise Fuel Break – Cleaning up brush, widening of fuel break, felling trees, and general construction;
- Lake Jennings – Weed abatement, and brush clearing;
- El Capitan, San Vicente, Sutherland Dam – Clearing access roads, and cleaning up surrounding brush overgrowth;
- Heise Park – Weed abatement, and brush clearing, fell trees, split wood
- Cuyamaca Peak – Chipping brush, and weed abatement;
- State Parks – Brush clean-up, felling trees, clearing access roads, and weed abatement, trenching, remove and replace water line, fence repair
- Community Service Projects – General Clean-up and various restoration projects.
- Volcan Mountain – – Weed abatement, and brush clearing, fell trees, split wood
- MVU Headquarters – weed abatement, tree removal, trash/debris clean-up, general landscaping, painting, grading, brick work
- Camp Maintenance – Asphalt access road, stobbing brush, La Cima fuel break
Programs and Services
Just as in every CDCR prison, every conservation camp offers rehabilitative and educational services, including substance abuse programs, 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 camp participants for successful integration back into their communities upon release.
- Building & Trades-Apprenticeship Readiness Program (MC3)
- Religious Services via local volunteers (three services per week)
- Pre-Release Courses
For 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.