GRAND COUNTY, Colo. -- Some Colorado campgrounds remained closed because of the pine beetle kill, but the Forest Service is trying to get those campsites open in time for the Fourth of July. And they're getting help from a source you might not expect.

The U.S. Forest Service is partnering with inmates from the Buena Vista Correctional Facility to clear out beetle-killed trees at campgrounds.

The inmates essentially police themselves. It's hard work, but it beats the alternative.

"We dread the days we gotta stay in (prison)," said inmate Danny Wibright.

"I'm helping our state stay as beautiful as it is," said inmate James Miguel. "And for me to be out here and to be trusted out here makes all the difference in the world for me."

The program is designed to give nonviolent, non-sex offenders job experience to assist them in re-entering society successfully.

"If they leave with a good work ethic and get their foot in the door and show that employer they can do it, I think they have a real good chance," said Erik Wayland, crew boss with Correctional Industries.

"You know our kids, your kids can be able to see what we did positively," said Wibright.

It's hard work that could pay off in a number of ways.

"These dead bark beetle trees can fall at anytime," said Clint Kyhl, bark beetle incident commander for the USDA Forest Service.

The pine beetle infestation grew from one million acres to 1.5 million acres from 2006 to 2007.

"Give us the chance to prove that we're not bad people," said Miguel.

"On the Fourth of July, people will be here because of us," said Wibright.

Inmates must apply for the program and must pass a medical and psychological exam. They cannot be escape risks or a threat to the community.