I’m creating this petition for a very important reason. We need to keep Larch Correction Center in Yacolt, WA open!

I am reaching out to you to express my concern regarding the closure of Larch Corrections Center. LCC is a minimum security prison near Vancouver, which opened in 1956, they house about 227 incarcerated individuals. It can house up to 480 if allowed to be at full capacity. Larch is a staple to successful re-entry to the incarcerated. Staff and incarcerated alike are incredibly upset about the notification of closure. I am reaching out to you in an effort to keep LCC open.

LCC provides work crews for DNR and community services, from 04/01/2022 to 06/30/2022 (the most recent participation report) LCC provided the most work hours out of all Washington prisons; providing 43,989 hours to the community. For 52 years, LCC’s DNR have provided a first response to forest fires across Southwest Washington. These crews have saved property and lives in recent wildfires. Incarcerated use the skills, experience and pay from these industries to better set themselves up for success after release.

https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/reports/700-SR002-second-quarter-2022.pdf

LCC has a tremendous amount of programs, supporting the best chance of success after release. The programs include Strength in Families, Thinking for a Change, Small Business Basics, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, Horticulture, Wastewater Treatment Certification, Food Services, Beekeeping, Electrician Certifications, GED Preparation, Reentry Life Skills, Native American Reentry Services and various volunteer provided religious services.

https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/500-BR008.pdf

https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/400-GU032.pdf

https://www.nativereentry.org/lcc

LCC is the closest prison to Vancouver, the 4th largest city in Washington. LCC’s location provides family the opportunity to visit the incarcerated.

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/vancouvercitywashington,US/PST045222

https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/100-DG003.pdf

DOC administration could be targeting LCC due to out of the ordinary facility upgrades and staff overtime. Covid-19, administration forced population reduction, and necessary facility refurbishment made LCC appear as if it were more expensive for the fiscal year. Historically minimum security prisons are more cost efficient than major institutions.

https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/reports/200-AR001.pdf

https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/reports/200-RE020.pdf

LCC and other standalone minimum security prisons are a valuable asset to re-entry, acting as a gateway for incarcerated individuals moving to our communities. More than 3/4 of the Washington incarcerated population are eligible to transfer to a minimum during their confinement. LCC only prohibits incarcerated individuals with more than 6 years left on their sentence or individuals that pose a security risk.

https://www.doc.wa.gov/docs/publications/reports/100-RE004.pdf

 

Keeping Larch open would benefit families and incarcerated individuals. Families in Southwest Washington would be able to see their loved one more frequently and wouldn’t have to travel a minimum of 2 hours to see their incarcerated family member. Incarcerated Individuals who have in person visits are 13% lower in recidivism than those who don’t. 

https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/effects-prison-visitation-offender-recidivism

All 115 Staff and 227 incarcerated at LCC are the future of corrections, improving public safety by positively changing lives. Please express our shared concern over this closure announcement by using the resources available to you to keep Larch open.

Here is a link to email your state legislature to speak up for Larch!

https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

Thank you for your time and let’s keep Larch open!!