Working jointly with the Department of Corrections (DOC), DNR operates correctional camp crews out of four adult correctional facilities. Adult incarcerated individuals volunteer as crew members for the program. DNR Camp Managers work with DOC counselors to approve each individual's acceptance into the program based on their behavior and record.
 
​Offender honor camps, as they used to be called, have been providing cost-efficient support for state lands since 1939. The program helps incarcerated individuals avoid idleness while providing cost-effective work on state and other public lands.

Year-round, crews perform a variety of forestry-related projects, such as trail construction and maintenance, noxious weed removal, tree planting, fuel reduction, illegal dump site cleanup and much more. The program provides a work force of over 300 crew members (30+ crews of 10 incarcerated crew members) and their supervisors across the state. As a result, incarcerated individuals develop the skills necessary to work in paying jobs after their release and break the cycle of recidivism.

 

If issues arise, DNR may dismiss an incarcerated individual from the program at any time.

The program teaches positive work habits, develops job skills, and allows incarcerated crew members to experience the sense of pride that comes from working hard and accomplishing something of value. As they work, the crew members are able to earn a small gratuity to help support them while incarcerated and upon release, including repaying restitution. One of the most tangible benefits is that DNR is working with DOC research and development to compare the program with overall recidivism rate to show that program participants are less likely to reoffend.

Experienced DNR Forest Crew Supervisors oversee the 10-person crews as they work on different positions in wildfire suppression, including initial attack, digging handlines, mop up/putting out hot spots and mobile kitchen operations. Once the crews return to fire camp or their home camp, DOC Officers and Superintendents supervise the crew members. Prior to fire season, incarcerated crew members receive wildland firefighter training to the standards of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Firefighter 2 level. The certificates of completion can be used by the crew members upon release to gain employment with contract fire crews, DNR, or a local fire service.

Each Correctional Camp is a minimum- to medium-security facility:

Airway Heights Corrections Center
Cedar Creek Corrections Center 
Larch Corrections Center
Olympic Corrections Center