How Goats And Sheep Are Preventing Wildfires In Sacramento

Sacramento is attempting to prevent wildfires with the help of thousands of livestock.

The "Grazing Pilot Program" has sent more than 1,300 grazing goats and sheep onto 130 acres in Del Paso Regional Park, reports the Sacramento City Express.

The program is through the Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE) and local leaders hope it will help sustainably reduce fire fuels.

“The City is responsible for many open spaces that require mowing to reduce fire fuels,” said park Planning and Development Manager Raymond Costantino. “Del Paso Regional is a location that has limited access for our large mowers and flailing units. The animals can get where our equipment cannot.”

This is the first time YPCE is utilizing livestock to reduce fire fuels.

“We are seeing grazing at many surrounding municipalities,” said Costantino. “Grazing is a sustainable way to reduce fire fuels, such as grasses.”

The animals are being provided through a contract with a ranching company according to the Express.

Grazing should be completed by mid-September and the city will evaluate whether the livestock has been effective in reducing fire fuels. If the pilot is successful, they will move forward with the program annually.

According to the Express, visitors should expect trails at Del Paso Regional Park to be intermittently closed while the animals are grazing.