Sheep run to a water trough located at the bottom of C Hill on Tuesday.
The Carson Ranger District is asking visitors to C Hill who could encounter the sheep to reduce hazardous fuels, to keep their animals on a leash at all times.
As part of a Carson Ranger District Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project, sheep are grazing on the U.S. Forest Service lands to reduce hazardous fuels by removing cheetgrass and other non-native vegetation.
The area to be grazed is more than 500 acres of Forest Service land located on C Hill. Grazing will continue through the cheetgrass growing season.
Livestock guard dogs will be present with the sheep herds and they instinctively will guard the herd from any form of predator they feel is a threat.
“Cheatgrass is an invasive species that has the potential to dominate an area if not managed,” said Fuels Forester Anna Belle Monti. “It can outcompete native vegetation, eventually pushing native grasses and shrubs out of their normal habitat. Cheetgrass plants also create an exceptional fuel bed for wildfire and can be a threat to surrounding communities.”
The Forest has contracted with the Borda Land & Sheep Company out of Gardnerville to perform this grazing project. Approximately 800 ewes will be used for each unit and each flock will be monitored by two herders and their dogs.
“This program is an important measure to help keep our communities safe from fire,” said Irene Davidson, Carson District Ranger. “Grazing sheep is a cost effective and efficient way to fight the spread of the problematic invasive species.”
For more information on the Carson Ranger District Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project, contact Anna Belle Monti at 775-884-8103.
