The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a chance for ranchers to hay and graze cattle on the Pine Creek unit of the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge through a Cooperative Agricultural Agreement (CAA). This agreement helps the Refuge maintain healthy plant communities and provide key habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife.
The agreement will cover the 2025 season, with the option to extend for two more years, ending Dec. 1, 2027. The unit available includes 306 acres of wet meadow, a diverse and important habitat. Approved applicants will be issued a Special Use Permit and work closely with Refuge staff to meet habitat goals.
Cattle grazing will run from Sept. 1 through Dec. 1, and haying will take place during August. The grazing rate is $24 per animal unit month (AUM), and the haying rate is $25 per ton of standing hay. Rates may adjust annually based on market conditions.
Applicants must have at least 100 head of cattle or a legal agreement to do so and be able to meet Refuge goals, move cattle on short notice, and hold proper insurance. Experience in California wet meadow management is preferred. All application materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025. To schedule a field tour or ask questions, contact Refuge management at 530-640-2544 or email stacy_freitas@fws.gov.
The post Apply for Grazing and Haying Opportunities at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge appeared first on SierraDailyNews.com.
