NCJ Number
191365
Journal
CTM-Corrections Technology & Management Volume: 5 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2001 Pages: 40-42
Date Published
2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes Washington State's three correctional forestry camps, which provide inmates an opportunity to learn job skills as well as contribute services to the State that save taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Abstract
Inmates at the Cedar Creek Corrections Center who work for the Department of Natural Resources plant trees; maintain trails; manufacture lumber on State forestry land; and construct gates, signs, picnic tables, and bird boxes. During the summer months, inmates contribute to State fire suppression efforts and operate a fire kitchen capable of serving up to 1,400 fire-fighters per meal. The Larch Corrections Center offers opportunities for education and support groups as well as forestry crews. Larch has a unique 9-month substance abuse treatment program with five substance abuse counselors who conduct individual and group treatment for inmates assigned to this program. These men do not go out with the forestry crews, but they may progress to inside jobs such as facility maintenance or food preparation and clean-up. The Olympic Corrections Center is located on the Olympic peninsula on the edge of the Olympic National Forest. Work crews from this facility do much the same forestry work as the other two facilities, but other community service opportunities are lacking due to the facility's remote location. All of the forestry centers provide the opportunities for minimum-risk inmates to work outdoors and develop employable skills that will be useful upon release. Although follow-up studies have not been conducted, the Washington State parole board apparently agrees that forestry graduates are more likely to succeed after release to the community than offenders who have never had the forestry experience.