News Release

For  Release:  Feb. 28, 2008   
Contact:  David Christy, (916) 985-4474
CA-CC-08-34

Sheep Are Back To Work on Fort Ord Public Lands

More than 1,000 ewes and their lambs are back at work on the Bureau of Land Management’s  Fort Ord public lands in Monterey County.  The grazing program is part of a cooperative strategy to improve rangeland conditions in this ecologically unique area.

Eric Morgan, BLM’s Fort Ord manager, said “the sheep grazing program at Fort Ord has a proven track record at reducing wildfire hazards, and stimulating native plant regeneration.  The sheep have also been effective in controlling invasive thistle populations.”  The sheep will remain on the Fort Ord grasslands for the next three months.

With the return of the sheep herds, the BLM reminds visitors to the area to be careful around the sheep.  “Each year, five to 10 sheep are killed by visitors with aggressive dogs that chase the sheep – causing the sheep to break their legs”, explained Morgan.

During the next three months, the BLM recommends that visitors leash their pets when near the sheep.  Visitors are also encouraged to avoid riding bicycles at high rates of speed on roads and trails when sheep are present.

For additional information about the grazing program, contact Morgan at (831) 394–8314, e-mail: Eric_Morgan@ca.blm.gov, or Bruce Delgado, botanist, at the same phone number Bruce_Delgado@ca.blm.gov.

-BLM-