The Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department will be coordinating the 20th year of the annual Fuel Reduction Program using sheep beginning around the first and second week of April. This project also coordinates with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada Division of State Lands, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Carson Community Council, and private property owners.
This year, there will be two bands (groups) of sheep grazing in Carson City, totaling approximately 2,400 sheep. The first band will enter Carson City on the north end of town near Timberline, behind Western Nevada College, starting approximately between April 6 and April 10, and will be walking in from a previous grazing treatment in Washoe County. The second band will be trucked in and unloaded in the hills behind Greenhouse Garden Center starting Saturday, April 11. The sheep will be grazing in Carson City through the end of May.
Our department encourages the public to get out and enjoy the sheep, but please keep your dogs on a leash or at home to help avoid conflicts with the sheep. There will also be guard dogs accompanying the sheep to protect them from predators.
There will also be temporary signage placed at trailheads where sheep are currently grazing to alert users to their presence, and the sheep will only graze a specific area for approximately 3-7 days. Additionally, remember to maintain distance from the sheep and avoid loud noises or running while observing them. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation for the safety of Carson City’s favorite furry firefighters. Alternate hiking and biking locations can be found at www.carsoncity.gov/trails.
For more information on the project, please visit www.carsoncity.gov/sheep, or to report a wayward sheep, please contact the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department at (775) 887-2262.
