PRESS RELEASE
Holy Sheep! Livestock grazing is essential for the forests to maintain their long-term health. In the Tahoe National Forest, this practice is common. Roaming cattle and sheep are ample, supporting local agriculture-based economies and forest health. Although for some visitors, encountering livestock in the forest can be a surprise and perhaps a little scary, causing conflicts between people, livestock, and herd dogs.
For the Tahoe National Forest, grazing management is a collaborative effort with landowners, land managers, permittees, universities, and the public.
“Livestock grazing at an appropriate level is part of our mission,” said Karen Hayden, district ranger for the Yuba River Ranger District in the Tahoe National Forest. “Anyone driving, hiking, mountain biking, or engaging in another recreational activity near grazing animals or herd dogs should use caution and be respectful of permittee property.”
Livestock can behave unpredictably. When encountering animals or herd dogs on national forest lands, remain calm, do not disturb or frighten them, and give them a wide berth. Bikers should dismount and walk their bikes. Hikers should slow down and walk away calmly.
Be aware that livestock can suddenly change directions when frightened. Do not “drive” livestock down roads in front of your vehicle, since this could push them onto dangerous roadways, or increase work for permittees.
Herd dogs are often used by ranchers to protect livestock from predators, and unless provoked, the dogs are not aggressive toward people. Hikers should still avoid eye contact and retreat slowly, without turning their back. Pets can provoke defensive behavior in herd dogs. Be sure your own dogs are on a leash and kept under control.
Grazing permittees maintain range improvements like fences, corrals, water troughs, and gates. Please respect these improvements, as well as private land. When encountering a closed gate while hiking, biking, or driving, be sure to close it after going through.
For more information about the Tahoe National Forest Range Program, contact Ayn Shlisky in Nevada City at (530) 478-6227, or Brianne Boan in Sierraville at (530) 994-3401.
