Placer County will deploy goats to reduce wildfire risk. Here’s where
Placer County has announced that it will soon be activating thousands of four-legged fire crew members.
The county is bringing back efforts to deploy 2,000 goats and sheep to graze county-owned properties in western Placer County, according to an announcement Friday.
“Goats and sheep can graze steep slopes and dense brush that mowers and crews can’t easily reach, and they do it without herbicides or heavy equipment,” said Lauren Catlin, a project manager for Placer County. “Every acre they clear lowers the risk of wildfire gaining a foothold near our neighborhoods.”
These animals will eat fire fuels like weeds, invasive plant species and low-hanging tree limbs, according to the release, in hopes of reducing the risk of wildfires.
Goats and sheep already worked at Griffith Park, Traylor Ranch Preserve and Bird Sanctuary, Loomis landfill and county-owned community parks in Loomis, according to the release.
Next up on the agenda are Dry Creek Park and Doyle Ranch Park in Roseville; county-owned properties in Granite Bay; the Placer County Government Center; Hidden Falls Regional Park and Big Hill Preserve in Auburn; the Meadow Vista landfill; and county-owned sites in Foresthill.
A shepherd occasionally lives in a trailer on-site, according to Placer County’s website, to ensure safety. Temporary fencing will also be used.
“While visitors are encouraged to view and appreciate the herds hard at work, these animals are not pets,” Placer County wrote in a statement. “The county asks that the public give them plenty of space, keep dogs leashed and avoid approaching the animals, fencing or equipment.”
