[CPEO-MEF] REUSE, NATURAL RESOURCES: Ft. Ord (CA) sheep

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

SHEEP SHAPE: Fort Ord herd chows down on weeds, thistles and non-native 
grasses

By DENNIS TAYLOR
Monterey Herald (CA)
March 5, 2009

Pet owners and bicyclists are asked to keep their eyes peeled during the 
next four months for 500 to 1,000 sheep that will graze at various 
locations on the former Fort Ord.

The grazing is an annual chow-down that keeps the sheep fed and helps 
the natural environment in the 2,500-acre area.

The woolly animals, who make their home at a Los Banos ranch, are 
utilized each year by the Bureau of Land Management to clear selected 
areas of weeds, thistles and non-native grasses. The plan has worked 
effectively since the BLM received the property in 1996.

A chief concern is that speeding bicyclists and unleashed dogs aren't 
always compatible with large herds of animals.

"Right now, they're in the grasslands just to the west of the Toro 
Estates, where there are a lot of roads and trails that are very popular 
with hikers, bikers and equestrians," Eric Morgan, the BLM's Fort Ord 
manager, said. "Most pet owners keep their pets leashed when they see 
livestock, but occasionally a dog will do what dogs like to do and chase 
the sheep."

...

For the entire article, see
http://www.montereyherald.com/sports/ci_11841764?nclick_check=1

--


Lenny Siegel
Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
a project of the Pacific Studies Center
278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org


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