Modoc County is emphasizing the importance of the Disaster Livestock Ag Pass Program as wildfire season approaches. This initiative, active since 2022, is designed to ensure the welfare of livestock during emergencies by potentially allowing qualified ranchers to access evacuation zones to care for their animals.
The Ag Pass enables commercial livestock operators with emergency clearance to enter restricted areas to provide essential feed, water, and medical care to their animals if evacuation isn’t feasible. Given the geography of Modoc County, where many ranches span large, non-contiguous lands, complete evacuation during rapid wildfires can be challenging. In such situations, keeping livestock sheltered in place is often safer for all involved.
Eligibility for the program requires ranchers to own a minimum of 50 livestock or five beehives. Participants must complete a four-hour safety training and an annual one-hour refresher to maintain their pass. Upcoming training sessions are set for April 8 in Cedarville and April 15 in Alturas, with prior registration required via the provided link.
The program is a collaborative effort involving UC Cooperative Extension Modoc County, local agricultural and emergency services, and modeled after similar initiatives in other parts of California. While the Ag Pass offers potential access, ranchers must inform the Sheriff’s Office before entry and acknowledge that access is contingent on the approval of emergency personnel based on current conditions.
The program is managed by UCCE and the Modoc County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, reflecting a community-focused approach to disaster preparedness and livestock safety.
