Sheep to arrive at Cronan & Magnolia Ranch to graze on invasive plants and reduce wildfire threat

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. – A flock of nearly 900 sheep will arrive in early May at the Bureau of Land Management’s Cronan Ranch, and a flock of nearly 600 sheep will arrive in mid-May at Magnolia Ranch, to graze invasive weeds and reduce wildfire threat. Sheep herders will manage the flocks, moving them across the grassy slopes and meadows with assistance from herding dogs and livestock protection dogs. The sheep will be grazing behind temporary fencing to allow the sheep herder to keep the sheep in an area long enough to have the vegetation uniformly grazed and/or trampled down.

“This is the ninth year at Cronan Ranch and the second year at Magnolia Ranch that we have used sheep to control yellow starthistle and medusahead, both invasive weeds, that crowd out native plants and reduce the diversity of vegetation,” said BLM Mother Lode Field Manager Jeff Horn.

Vegetation monitoring has shown a marked decrease in yellow starthistle and a notable decrease in medusahead. These invasive weeds leave behind dense patches of thatch, or dead vegetation, which can contribute to wildfire spread. Grazing has also dramatically decreased the thatch, reducing fuel loading and the risk of wildfire. In addition, native species diversity has increased, and wildflowers are blooming across the recreation area this spring, including some that have not been seen on the ranch before.

Know Before You Go:

Sheep operators use dogs to manage and protect their sheep by scaring off predators. Specifically, when sheep are present, the BLM advises the public to keep dogs on a physical leash. E-collars and voice commands are not sufficient. Other recommendations include stop and dismount if mountain biking, put your bike between you and the sheep and/or dog(s), walk your bike until you are well past the sheep, keep your distance from the flock, and remain calm and quiet if dog(s) or sheep approach. 

Cronan Ranch Trailhead provides access to 12 miles of trails for non-motorized uses, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching and other recreation. There is a wide variety of terrain to explore including gentle slopes, challenging hill climbs, oak woodlands and gentle riverfront trails. Cronan Ranch connects to the American River Trail Corridor. More information is available online.

Magnolia Ranch Trailhead is located approximately five miles north of the town of Coloma along Highway 49 and the South Fork of the American River. It is situated between the Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park and Greenwood Creek River Access on public lands. The Magnolia Ranch Trailhead takes you along the 2.5-mile Gerle Loop Trail, which is an easy to moderate, mostly flat trail across rolling hills and oak woodlands with scenic views and access to the American River. The Gerle Loop trail ties into a more extensive trail system west of Hastings Creek and leads you into the Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park.