South Fork Forest Camp is a minimum-security work camp located approximately 28 miles east of Tillamook, just off Highway 6 along the Wilson River Highway. The camp was established in 1951 and is a satellite facility of Columbia River Correctional Institution (CRCI), a minimum-security facility located in Portland. The camp is unique in that it is the only Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) institution to be sited on Board of Forestry Lands and the only prison facility that is owned and jointly managed by the DOC and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).
The South Fork Forest Camp is an important part of the Oregon Department of Corrections rehabilitation program. The camp provides an opportunity for inmates to work on conservation projects, such as firefighting and forest management, that help to maintain Oregon’s natural resources. Inmates at the camp can also participate in vocational training programs, such as welding and carpentry, that can help them to develop skills that will be useful once they are released back into society. The camp’s focus on rehabilitation and vocational training is intended to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.
| Security | Minimum |
| Capacity | 200 |
| Physical Address | 48300 Wilson River Hwy, Tillamook, OR 97141-9799 |
| Mailing Address | 48300 Wilson River Hwy, Tillamook, OR 97141-9799 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Fridays: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (503) 842-2811 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
South Fork Forest Camp prison is a minimum-security work camp located in Tillamook County, Oregon. It was established in 1951 and is a satellite facility to Columbia River Correctional Institution, a minimum-security facility located in Portland. South Fork Forest Camp is jointly operated by the Oregon Department of Corrections and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Location
South Fork Forest Camp is located approximately 28 miles east of Tillamook, just off Highway 6 along the Wilson River Highway. It is situated on Board of Forestry Lands and is the only DOC institution to be sited on these lands. The camp is the largest and oldest work camp in the Pacific Northwest and covers approximately 3,000 acres of forest.
Facilities
The South Fork Forest Camp prison has a capacity of 200 inmates and is designed to house minimum-security inmates. The camp has dormitory-style housing, and inmates are housed in barracks that can accommodate up to 14 inmates each. The camp also has a dining hall, a recreation room, and a chapel.
Inmates at South Fork Forest Camp are required to work in the forest, performing a variety of tasks such as planting trees, fighting wildfires, and maintaining trails. The camp has a number of work crews that perform forest management in 11 counties throughout Oregon. In a given year, the camp can produce up to 28,000 man-days of skilled adults in custody labor, saving the state millions in labor costs.
Custody Level
South Fork Forest Camp is a minimum-security facility, and inmates must meet certain eligibility requirements to be housed at the camp. Inmates must have a minimum custody level of “minimum-in,” which means they have a low risk of escape and are not considered a threat to public safety.
Inmates must also have a history of good behavior and a positive attitude toward work and rehabilitation. The camp is designed to provide cost-effective, skilled adults in custody labor to the State Forests and Fire Protection Programs while promoting public safety by holding adults in custody accountable.
History
South Fork Forest Camp prison was established in 1951 and is a satellite facility to Columbia River Correctional Institution, a minimum-security facility located in Portland.
Establishment
The South Fork Forest Camp prison was established in 1951, making it the oldest work camp in the Pacific Northwest. It is the only prison facility that is owned and jointly operated by two agencies, the Oregon Department of Corrections and the Oregon Department of Forestry. The facility is sited on Board of Forestry Lands, making it unique among DOC institutions.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the South Fork Forest Camp prison is to provide inmate labor for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Inmates work on reforestation projects, tree planting, and other forest management tasks. The work performed by inmates at South Fork Forest Camp prison has been instrumental in maintaining the health and vitality of Oregon’s forests.
Inmate Labor
Inmate labor at South Fork Forest Camp prison is an essential component of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire protection program. Inmates work alongside professional firefighters to fight wildfires, clear fire lines, and perform other critical tasks. The program has been successful in reducing the cost of fire protection while providing valuable job training and work experience for inmates.
Overall, South Fork Forest Camp prison has a unique history and purpose within the Oregon Department of Corrections and the Oregon Department of Forestry. Its establishment in 1951 and its joint ownership and operation by two agencies make it a one-of-a-kind facility. The inmate labor program at South Fork Forest Camp prison has been instrumental in maintaining the health and vitality of Oregon’s forests while providing valuable job training and work experience for inmates.
Inmate Programs
Inmate programs at South Fork Forest Camp prison are designed to help inmates develop new skills, stay active, and prepare for a successful re-entry into society. The programs are divided into three categories: work programs, recreation programs, and education programs.
Work Programs
One of the primary goals of South Fork Forest Camp prison is to provide cost-effective, skilled adults in custody labor to the State Forests and Fire Protection Programs. Inmates at the camp are involved in various work programs such as pre-commercial tree thinning, metal fabrication, and equipment repair. These programs not only provide the state with valuable labor but also give inmates the opportunity to learn new skills that they can use upon release.
Recreation Programs
Recreation programs at South Fork Forest Camp prison are designed to help inmates stay active and healthy. The prison has several hiking trails that inmates can use for exercise and recreation. These trails are a great way for inmates to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while getting some exercise. In addition to hiking, the prison also offers other recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting.
Education Programs
Education programs at South Fork Forest Camp prison are designed to help inmates prepare for a successful re-entry into society. The prison offers a variety of educational programs including GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. These programs give inmates the opportunity to learn new skills and gain the knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce after their release.
Overall, the inmate programs at South Fork Forest Camp prison are designed to help inmates develop new skills, stay active, and prepare for a successful re-entry into society. Whether they are involved in work programs, recreation programs, or education programs, inmates at the prison have access to a variety of resources that can help them succeed.
Visitation and Contact
South Fork Forest Camp prison allows visitors to come and see their loved ones who are incarcerated. However, visitors must follow certain guidelines and rules to ensure the safety and security of the prison. In this section, we will discuss the visiting hours, phone and mailing options, and accounts and rules for visitors.
Visiting Hours
South Fork Forest Camp prison has specific visiting hours for visitors. Visitors must arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit. Visitors must also bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Fridays: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Visiting hours may vary depending on the facility. It is important to check the visiting hours for the specific facility before scheduling a visit. Visitors are also encouraged to check for any visiting alerts or cancellations on the Oregon Department of Corrections website.
Phone and Mailing
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmates at South Fork Forest Camp prison are allowed to receive mail from their loved ones. Visitors can send letters, cards, and photos to inmates. Visitors must include the inmate’s full name and identification number on the envelope. Visitors should also check the facility’s guidelines for any restrictions on what can be sent to inmates.
Phone Number:
South Fork Forest Camp prison provides inmates with access to telephones. Inmates can make collect calls to their loved ones. Visitors can also set up a prepaid account to receive calls from inmates. Visitors should check the facility’s guidelines for any restrictions on phone calls.
Accounts and Rules
Visitors must follow certain rules and regulations when visiting South Fork Forest Camp prison. Visitors must dress appropriately and follow the approved dress code. Visitors must also pass through a security checkpoint and follow the instructions of the staff. Visitors must not bring any unauthorized items into the facility.
Visitors can set up an account to deposit money into an inmate’s account. Inmates can use this money to purchase items from the commissary. Visitors should check the facility’s guidelines for any restrictions on the amount of money that can be deposited into an inmate’s account.
Overall, visitors must follow the rules and guidelines set forth by South Fork Forest Camp prison to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Controversies and Issues
Violence and Safety
South Fork Forest Camp prison has been subject to controversies regarding violence and safety concerns. In 2018, an on-site review of the prison conducted by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) found that the facility was not in compliance with all the PREA standards, including the requirement to provide adequate protection from sexual abuse and assault. This raised concerns about the safety of inmates at the facility.
Furthermore, the Oregon Department of Corrections Report found that the South Fork Forest Camp prison had a higher rate of violence compared to other prisons in the state. The report also noted that the prison lacked adequate security measures to prevent violence.
Types of Offenses
South Fork Forest Camp prison primarily houses inmates convicted of non-violent crimes such as arson and drug offenses. However, the prison also houses inmates convicted of sex offenses, which has raised concerns about the safety of other inmates.
Funding and Cost
The South Fork Forest Camp prison is run by the ODOC and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The prison provides cost-effective, skilled labor to the ODF, saving the state millions in labor costs. However, the prison has also faced criticism for its use of inmate labor, which some argue is exploitative.
In addition, the cost of operating the prison has also been a concern. In 2019, the ODOC spent $5.5 million to operate the South Fork Forest Camp prison, which has a capacity of 204 inmates. Some have argued that the cost of maintaining the prison is not worth the benefits it provides.
Overall, the South Fork Forest Camp prison has faced a number of controversies and issues, particularly regarding violence and safety concerns, the types of offenses housed at the facility, and the cost and funding of the prison.