Merced County livestock producers could get restricted area access during disasters

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Merced County is developing a program that will allow vetted personnel, livestock producers, owner-operators, managers, and more to get limited emergency access to restricted areas during a disaster, according to the county’s website .

The program is called the Livestock Pass program and it will be used during emergency situations.

The county’s website says the program will provide a uniform way of identifying vetted commercial livestock producers, owner-operators, and managers to firefighting personnel, California Highway Patrol officers, sheriff’s deputies, and other law enforcement and emergency personnel.

To possess a “Livestock Pass” the individual’s property must be zoned as agricultural and operated by a commercial livestock producer, according to the Livestock Pass Application. The application specifies that a commercial livestock producer is an individual or entity engaged in the business of raising animals for profit.

It also says on the application that each pass holder must be an owner, operator, or managerial employee or a variable commercial livestock operation with a working knowledge of the property and access to essential infrastructure.

According to the county’s website, the possession of the Livestock Pass may allow the rancher during a wildfire or similar disaster with limited emergency areas to feed, water, or care for livestock sheltering-in-place or for evacuating livestock.

The county says they are looking for feedback from interested stakeholders to assist them in the development of this program within the requirements of Section 2350, Division 2, Chapter 4, of the California Food and Agricultural Code.

Once developed, this program will be brought before the Merced County Board of Supervisors for approval. After establishment by the Board, applications will be accepted, and mandatory training will be held prior to issuance of the livestock pass.

The county officials are also asking the community for feedback and comments on the development program and two draft documents; the Merced County Livestock Pass Program and the Livestock Pass application .

Comments can be submitted by email to magpermit@countyofmerced.com . There will also be two in-person opportunities to hear a brief introduction to the program and feedback will be provided at the following locations and times:

On July 17 at 6 p.m. at the Merced County Agricultural Complex Classroom located at 2145 Wardrobe Ave., Merced.

On July 18 at 6 p.m. at Los Banos Spring Fairgrounds in the Germino Building located at 403 F St., Los Banos.

To RSVP in advance, email magpermit@countyofmerced.com or call 209-385-7431.

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