The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) helicopters delivered hay bales to stranded cattle in Humboldt County, CA, due to unusually heavy snowfall.
Ranchers could not reach the cattle due to several feet of snow and downed trees blocking road access. Those affected contacted county supervisors, who asked the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to utilize the assistance of USCG and CAL FIRE.
On March 5, Operation Hay Drop began assisting 30 ranchers. According to Diana Totten, Southern Humboldt-Area fire chief, the hay came from private sources and was paid for by the ranchers. The aircrews dropped hay where they spotted hoof marks in the snow based on information from the ranchers about where the cattle might be.
“When receiving a request, we talk to the ranchers about how many head of cattle need to be fed and where the cattle are expected to be on the property,” Totten said. “After compiling this information, we then provide it to CAL FIRE to coordinate the logistics of a safe delivery.”
Sheriff William Honsal said a previous operation similar to this occurred in the 1980s when ranchers were unable to reach their cattle due to snow.
