Acceptable sites have the following characteristics:

• the size of the site is:

  • large enough to sustain sheep for a set period of time.

  • has been evaluated for risk to human safety due to isolation or poor access.

  • have alternate sites available:

    • in close proximity to and at greater distances away from the acceptable project site, should there be a need to relocate the flock due to changes in vegetation or carnivore interaction, respectively.

    • the target vegetation complex is:

      • palatable to domestic sheep;

      • present in sufficient amounts and adequately nutritional for domestic sheep;

      • sprouting at a time that is adequate to sustain sheep for a set period of time;

      • ideally less than l m in height (although some species, such as fireweed, taller than 1 m may also be adequately palatable and tender for consumption);

      • considered for the presence of overgrown brush such as alder that restricts movement of sheep and reduces flock visibility;

      • considered for risk associated with the presence of poisonous plant species;

      • free of noxious weed species that may be spread by the use of sheep through improper timing of grazing or movement to uncontaminated sites;

      • monitored for forage quality and quantity throughout the grazing season; and

      • composed of the appropriate age and species of conifer crop seedlings for sheep browsing.

• the topography is such that:

  • the amount of slash present does not impede sheep movement;

  • the slope gradient does not impede sheep movement (overall, slopes are < 50%);

  • the ground is not so wet that it restricts sheep or personnel movement, endangers the health of the sheep, or allows unacceptable damage to local habitats; and

  • slope and soil types do not contribute to excess erosion, runoff and soil compaction.

• the water sources are:

  • suitable in quality and quantity, or a sufficient amount can be transported to the site for sheep use; and

  • if they are used for human consumption, are safe from being contaminated by sheep or sheep feces.

• riparian management areas (RMA) are identified:

  • to ensure that corral and camp sites are located outside of riparian management areas; and

  • to control grazing on project site outside riparian management areas.

• staging sites can be identified and be available for arrival and departure of sheep.

• access by roads and bridges can be identified and are in a suitable condition.

• the presence of carnivores and key ungulate species and their use of the area are minimal and do not fall into categories summarized in Appendix 2.

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