Sheep help with annual fuels reduction, invasive weed work around Carson City
As part of a Carson City hazardous fuels reduction and invasive weed project, sheep will be placed along the west side of Carson City to reduce the fuel load by removing fine fuels, including cheatgrass and other non-native vegetation, from the wildland urban interface.
The areas to be grazed will include more than 2,000 acres of land. Grazing began on April 7th and will continue until the end of May.
“Cheatgrass is an invasive grass species and has the potential to dominate an area if not managed," said Senior Natural Resource Specialist Richard Wilkinson. “It can outcompete native vegetation, eventually pushing native grasses and shrubs out of their natural habitat. Cheatgrass can also create a continuous fuel bed, increasing the frequency of wildfires which is a direct threat to our community.”
Carson City has partnered with the Borda Land & Sheep Company out of Gardnerville, Nev. to perform this grazing project. Approximately 800 ewes and 1100 lambs will be used for grazing and each band will be monitored by two sheepherders and their dogs. Water for the sheep will be provided by the Carson City Fire Department at predetermined locations. Project partners include the, United States Forest Service, Carson City Fire Department, Nevada State Lands, Borda Land & Sheep Company, and the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department.
Visitors are welcome but are asked to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. Guard dogs will be present and they instinctively protect the sheep from any form of predator that it feels is a threat.
For more information on the hazardous fuels and weed treatment project, please contact Richard Wilkinson at (775) 283-7341 or email rwilkinson@carson.org.
Below is a 2012 video of the efforts featured on America's Heartland.
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