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Council approves goat‑grazing contract to reduce fire fuels at reclamation facility
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Summary
The council approved a $125,750 agreement (city share approx. $47,546.08) with High Desert Grazers to perform targeted goat grazing on a 75‑acre parcel at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility to reduce noxious weeds and fire risk; staff said the project may be partially funded by a FEMA hazard mitigation subaward.
The Sparks City Council approved an agreement (AC6185) with High Desert Grazers to implement targeted goat grazing on a 75‑acre parcel at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility for hazard mitigation.
Casey Benson, chief/plant director, and Amy Egan, assistant plant manager, said the parcel has overgrown noxious weeds that increase fire risk and that goats provide an environmentally sustainable method to reduce fuels. The project is expected to take about 150 days; the city’s share of the contract is approximately $47,546.08 while staff seek FEMA hazard mitigation grant disbursement to cover subsequent seasons.
Council approved the contract unanimously and staff said they will begin grazing around May 1, 2026, pending logistical coordination and grant funding outcomes.
