Managed Grazing
Anyone living in California knows how easily wildfire can devastate a community. One of the many responsibilities a property owner has is to minimize fire hazard by controlling excess vegetation on their property.
Where Are the Animals Now?
The following map displays the current grazing locations on City property. Grazing on private property is shown in gray.
| View Grazing Map |
What is Managed Grazing?
Managed grazing is a “green” approach to vegetation control. Grazing animals (sheep and goats) are used throughout Rocklin for vegetation control instead of manual, mechanical or chemical methods. Sheep are used when vegetation is still tender and green. Goats are typically used when vegetation begins to dry out. Rocklin’s grazing contractor is Legacy Ranching.
Many local and state government agencies are now using managed grazing. Although it has been around for years, it may not be appropriate for every situation, but if done properly, it is an effective, eco-friendly alternative to consider for your property by reducing fire hazard and controlling the growth of vegetation on public lands.
How to Prepare
- Do not place any yard clippings, rat poison, or potted plants in the open space.
- Keep pets away from sheep and goats since the dogs protecting the herd may view them as a threat.
- Ensure that your fence is secure so grazing animals do not have access to your yard. Goats and sheep may be able to squeeze their heads through a wrought iron fence so please protect your plants.
- Keep children and pets away from the electrified grazing fence that can cause small shocks if touched.
- Please do not feed or disturb the animals. If you are concerned for their safety or health, please contact the grazing contractor or Animal Control. Do not attempt to save or rescue animals.
Benefits of Managed Grazing
One of the most noticeable benefits of grazing is the reduction of ladder fuels. Ladder fuels are dead vegetation such as tall grasses, shrubs, and low hanging tree branches that allow a ground fire to climb up into the tree canopy and spread. Managed grazing is a very effective way to reduce fire fuel loads because goats and sheep love grasses, clovers, weeds and brush species such as Manzanita, berry bushes, poison oak and even star thistle.
Environmental Benefits
Properly managed grazing has many environmental benefits, including:
- Watershed Health & Protection
- Habitat for Endangered & Threatened Species
- Sequestering Carbon from the Air
- Ground Water Recharge
- Wildfire Reduction
- Soil and Plant Health
- Eradication of Invasive Plant Species
I Want to Use Grazing on My Property
Grazing can be done on private property as well as City-owned land. Many HOAs and land developers in Rocklin use grazing on large fields that they own.
Before using grazing on your property, you will need to obtain a grazing permit from the Fire Department.