Eel River Conservation Camp. Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.



Every year, the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury spends time studying up on various questions or controversies involving local government, and at the end of the year publishes its findings. It’s a wonderful institution.

And though the current Grand Jury runs through the end of June, it’s kicking things off early with a report on the Eel River Conservation Camp, the Redway-area institution that houses convicted felons nearing the end of their sentence and employs them in various productive, outdoorsy activities — most notably, fighting wildfires.

This year the Grand Jury takes us inside for a tour of the conservation camp, which is run by the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. And it’s no exaggeration to say that the GJ really likes what it found!

From the report:

Overall, the Grand Jury was impressed with the condition, operation and function of the Conservation Camp during our inspections. The Grand Jury observed that safety precautions were in place, safety equipment was up to date, and inmates appeared healthy, adequately clothed, housed and fed. Inmates seemed at ease, cooperative with, and respectful of, each other and staff, proud of the work they do, and of the skills they are acquiring.

In sum, the Grand Jury has one and only one recommendation to improve conditions at the Conservation Camp: Get a better internet connection!

But you can read the full report below for a more complete look at how the camp operates and what it aims to accomplish, and you can check out the Grand Jury’s summary in press release form underneath that.

Note: The next Grand Jury year is coming up fast, and they’re always looking for more citizens to sign up. If you have some free time that you’d like to devote to good governance, they’d love to hear from you.

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DOCUMENT:

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Press release from the Humboldt County Grand Jury:

Fighting Fires, Changing Lives - Eel River Conservation Camp

“Without a doubt, if there is a program within the state that can help somebody go from an incarcerated life to never coming back to an incarcerated life, this is the program that can do it.”

—- Fred Money, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, quoted in the Sacramento Bee Article on the “Importance of Fire Crews,” 05/31/24.

The Civil Grand Jury Report, “Fighting Fires, Changing Lives - Eel River Conservation Camp” was published today on the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury website.

The Grand Jury is required by state law to “inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within the county.” Beyond the need to know whether these institutions are well run and pose no threat to our community, isn’t it important to know how your tax dollars are being spent and whether this investment of your money is benefiting you?

Among the Grand Jury’s findings:

The Eel River Conservation Camp meets or exceeds goals for contributions to the community, leading to a healthy, trusting relationship between the camp and the community.

Basic job skills are learned and practiced, making Eel River Conservation Camp inmates more employable and thus benefitting themselves, their families and their communities.

Through training, education, and on-the-job work experience, inmate employment opportunities post-incarceration increase, helping the Eel River Conservation Camp recidivism rate decline.

The Grand Jury Responsibilities:

The Humboldt County Superior Court annually appoints 19 county residents as grand jurors to serve as citizen watchdogs over local government.

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury has jurisdiction over Humboldt County districts, cities, agencies, and departments and examines all aspects of county and city government to ensure honest, efficient government in the best interests of the people.

The Jury receives and investigates complaints from individuals concerning the actions and performances of county or public officials. Additional information about the Civil Grand Jury, complaint forms, and juror applications can be found on the website.