Sheep to reduce wildfire risk in Carson City

To reduce hazardous fuels on U.S. National Forest land and city-owned open space in west Carson City, sheep were released April 21 to consume cheatgrass and other nonnative vegetation, according to a press release from the Humboldt-Toiyabe 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 750 ewes and lambs will be released and monitored by herders and livestock guard dogs.

"This year marks the 17th year of implementing this important fuel reduction project across the Carson City wildland-urban interface, following the heels of the Waterfall Fire in 2004,” said Lyndsey Boyer, Carson City open space manager. “This project is critical in reducing the fine fuel load to keep our community safe from wildfires."

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 the Greenhouse Garden Center (2450 S. Curry St.), and the following week the second band of sheep will be released behind Western Nevada Community College (2201 W. College Parkway). Grazing will continue through the beginning of June.

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, according to the release.

The “sheep grazing program can only continue if the sheep and dogs can be kept safe from harm,” reads the release. “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,” added Howell. “No matter how well trained a dog is, their instinct to chase could put them and the sheep in danger.”

For information on Carson City Dog Rules and Regulations Policy, visit: https://www.carson.org/government/departments-g-z/parks-recreation-open-space/parks-and-places/parks-and-open-spaces/dog-friendly-parks.

This project advances the efforts toward reducing wildfire risk to communities as highlighted in the USDA Forest Service wildfire crisis strategy. For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r4/?cid=fseprd1083596.