Sheep Grazing Vegetation Management Project at Skofield Park

Source: City of Santa Barbara

From September 21st through October 5th the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department will be conducting fuels reduction at Skofield Park using sheep to graze overgrown vegetation. Approximately 100 sheep will spend the next 2 weeks thinning overgrowth on 7 acres in the southern section of the park. Skofield Park is located in the northern part of the City off Las Canoas Rd.

The City of Santa Barbara has contracted with Cuyama Lamb LLC to provide livestock as a form of biological management within the Community Fuels Treatment Network. Using grazing as a method to complete vegetation management minimizes the impact to project areas and reduces overall emissions when compared to equipment like chainsaws and wood chippers. Additionally, a site specific biological evaluation has been completed prior in order to ensure best management practices are followed and ecological resources are protected.

This vegetation management project is funded through the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District and is part of the ongoing effort to improve wildfire safety within the City of Santa Barbara and surrounding communities.

We request all visitors of Skofield Park to maintain a respectful distance from the sheep and ensure dogs are leashed at all times. For any questions about the project, please contact Chris Braden, Fire Services Specialist at (805)564-5737. You can also visit the City Fire Department’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/wildland for additional information on wildfire preparedness and learn more about the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District’s programs and services.