The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, headquartered in Willows, California, has grazing opportunities in Tehama, Butte, Glenn, and Colusa Counties. There are 14 grazing units that cover a total of 6,214 acres of grassland and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian habitat. Each unit can have between 240 and 4,628 acres for cattle and between 29 and 1,586 acres for sheep. Grazing agreements provide for grazing rights for a period of up to 5 years.
We periodically open an application form for grazing opportunities. The next application period opens in 2027 for the grazing period from October 2027 to September 2032. Successful applicants will be selected through an open and competitive process. Applications will be scored and ranked using objective criteria described in the application form.
Grazing is one of the tools used in the refuge complex to meet management goals. It helps promote new grass and plant growth by breaking up thatch and reducing invasive weeds. Grazing can also lower fire risks by clearing brush in the forest understory. Planning includes deciding when and where to use cattle or sheep, how many to use, and how quickly to move them through each area to get the desired results.
For more information, please contact the Sacramento NWRC Headquarters at (530) 934-2801 or [email protected].