Each year, thousands of goats and sheep work their way across the City, clearing thatch and invasive species to reduce the threat of fire during the peak dry season. Often referred to as “managed grazing,” the use of grazing animals is a green approach to vegetation control instead of manual, mechanical, or chemical methods. One of the most notable benefits of grazing animals is the reduction of ladder fuels. Ladder fuels are dead vegetation that allow a ground fire to climb up into the tree canopy and spread. Managed grazing is an effective way to reduce this threat because grazing animals love grasses, clovers, and brush species. Due to regular maintenance, the City’s open space areas are relatively maintained and clear from abundant thatch.

Earlier this year, the City executed a contract with a new grazing services vendor. Our annual managed grazing began May 1 beginning in high-priority areas identified by the Rocklin Fire Department. Approximately 2,000 goats and sheep are currently working their way through the north part of the City, Blue Oaks area, and Stanford Ranch Road south of Twin Oaks. Next week, an additional herd will join our team and head to Johnson-Springview Park and eat their way south through the City. Due to an excessively wet spring followed by multiple stretches of hot weather, our grazing management schedule has been revised.

Tracking our goats is easy by using the “Grazing Map” located on the City’s website. Please do not feed or disturb the animals, after all they are busy at work!

For questions, comments, or concerns about the City’s managed grazing, please contact our Public Works Department.