Sheep grazing cheatgrass in the hills west of Curry Street, south of C-Hill, while desert peach bloomed April 26, 2024.
Photo by Scott Neuffer.
This month, the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is launching the annual fuel reduction program using sheep in the hills of west Carson.
The grazing sheep reduce sprouting fuels like cheatgrass and the threat of wildfire. Established in the wake of the 2004 Waterfall Fire, the project is a collaboration between the city, 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 of sheep grazing in Carson City, totaling approximately 2,400 sheep,” city officials said in a news release. “The first band will enter Carson City on the north end of town near Timberline, behind Western Nevada College, starting approximately between April 5 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 approximately Saturday, April 12. The sheep will be grazing in Carson City through the end of May.”
The parks department encouraged the public to enjoy the sheep but also leash dogs or leave them at home when out hiking “to avoid conflicts with the sheep.”
“There will also be guard dogs accompanying the sheep for protection from predators,” the release said. “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 3-7 days.
“Additionally, remember to maintain distance from the sheep and avoid loud noises or running while observing them.”
Alternate hiking and biking locations can be found at carson.org/trails.
For information, go to carson.org/sheep. To report a wayward sheep, contact the parks department at 775-887-2262.