Carson City, Nev. (May 4, 2017). – As part of a Carson Ranger District Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project, sheep will be released on U.S. Forest Service lands to reduce hazardous fuels by removing cheetgrass and other non-native vegetation.
The area to be grazed is over 500 acres of Forest Service land located on C Hill, west of Curry Street outside of Carson City, Nevada. Grazing is scheduled to begin the second week of May (depending on weather) and will continue through the cheetgrass growing season.
“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, Nevada, 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."
Visitors in the areas are asked to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. Livestock guard dogs will be present with the sheep herds and they instinctively will guard the herd from any form of predator that it feels is a threat.