The Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department will be coordinating fall grazing as part of the 20th year of the annual Fuel Reduction Program using sheep.
The fall grazing window will occur over two-three weeks, beginning Oct. 17. This project also coordinates with the Carson City Fire Department, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada Division of State Lands, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Carson Community Council, and private property owners.
This fall, there will be one band (group) of sheep grazing in Carson City, totaling approximately 1,200 sheep. The sheep will be adult ewes, without lambs, and will follow a path similar to the grazing that occurs in the spring, though over a shorter period of time. The sheep will be unloaded behind the Greenhouse Garden Center and will work their way north until they conclude grazing behind Western Nevada College and the Timberline and Lakeview neighborhoods.
The 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 for protection from predators.
There will 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 2 to 4 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.
