As spring rains trigger a final surge of grass growth across the North Bay, local land managers are increasingly hiring herds of sheep and goats to munch down potential wildfire fuel.
Per the Press Democrat, this “targeted grazing” strategy has boomed since the catastrophic fires of recent years, offering a low-emission alternative to traditional mowing.
Experts say the demand for professional grazers has nearly doubled as property owners prepare for a peak fire season fueled by the recent heavy rains. While the service can be costly, neighborhood cooperatives are forming to share the expense of these four-legged firefighters.
With over 300,000 acres in Sonoma County suitable for grazing, officials call the practice a critical tool for building more resilient, fire-prepared communities.
