Sheep to reduce hazardous fuels in Carson City

To reduce hazardous fuels on National Forest System and city-owned lands, sheep will be released this week in the West Carson Fuels Project area located on the west side of Carson City. These sheep will consume cheatgrass and other non-native vegetation on Carson City Open Space and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District.

“Cheatgrass is an aggressive non-native species outcompeting our native vegetation and creates an exceptional fuel bed for wildfire spread,” said Carson Ranger District Fuels Specialist Steve Howell. “Grazing sheep is a cost-effective and efficient way to fight the spread of the problematic invasive species.”

The Borda Land and Sheep Co., from Gardnerville, will conduct the grazing project. Approximately 700 ewes will be released and monitored by herders and livestock guard dogs.

The West Carson Fuels Project area is located southeast of King’s Canyon Road near the C-Hill area.
Sheep will be released first behind Western Nevada College, then about a week later they will be behind the Greenhouse Garden Center, weather permitting. Grazing will continue through the end of May.

The project area is also a popular place for people to hike with their dogs. However, this popularity has resulted in an increased number of incidents where off-leash dogs are harassing the sheep. Continuation of the sheep grazing program can only continue if the sheep and dogs can be kept safe from harm. Both uses can coexist as long as the public abides by the Carson City animal ordinances and posted trail rules for dogs.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep all dogs leashed while hiking through the area where sheep are grazing,” said Howell. “No matter how well trained a dog is, their instinct to chase could put them and the sheep in danger.”
For information on local leash regulations, visit http://www.carsoncitymi.com/Portals/65/Ordinance%2019%20Dogs.pdf