During the 2015 Butte Fire, several ranchers and farmers were unable to access their ranches beyond road closures to tend to their livestock. As a result of the need for access, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Calaveras County Ag Department and other stakeholders to develop and implement an Emergency Ranch Access Pass. The purpose of creating a county-based “Emergency Ranch Access Pass” program was to provide a uniform way for emergency services workers to identify vetted ranch owner-operators and their employees.

Possession of an Emergency Ranch Access Pass during a wildfire or a similar disaster (or “all-hazard” emergency) potentially allows the agriculturalist with 10 or more head of livestock or bee hives with limited emergency access to areas that may otherwise be restricted to the public. Access pass holders are issued for the exclusive purpose of protecting or caring for agricultural assets (such as feeding, watering, and transporting livestock) or providing support to emergency personnel (such as identifying access roads and water points).

Emergency Ranch Access Pass cards are applied for and distributed to eligible agriculturalists prior to a disaster. The application process is designed to confirm that the cardholder is an agricultural owner-operator or employee whose services are essential to providing protection or care for agricultural assets, such as livestock. Individuals eligible for the Emergency Ranch Access Pass must be key personnel with a working knowledge of the agricultural property, including access to irrigation systems, farm equipment, and other essential infrastructure.

Before the pass is issued, potential recipients will receive training in emergency procedures and understand that their role is to provide limited protection and/or care to the agricultural operation, not to fight fires or act as first responders during a disaster.

Possession of an Emergency Ranch Access Pass card does not guarantee the cardholder access through road closures. In imminent danger, front-line emergency personnel are empowered to exercise discretion to protect emergency crews and the public from unnecessary risk. However, when the boundaries of the closure area include agricultural land not deemed to be at imminent risk, the cards may allow employees or owners access to agricultural property at the discretion of frontline emergency personnel.

For current pass holders, a new online renewal program launched on 02/26/2026. The webpage, https://sheriff.calaverasgov.us/Outreach/Ranch-Passes provides a streamlined process to obtain a renewed Ranch Pass.

Participants will review a brief PowerPoint presentation followed by a five-question test. Upon successful completion, the system will process the renewal and mail the new Ranch Pass directly to the address provided.

As previously emphasized, please ensure your contact information is entered accurately in all required fields to avoid delays or potential denial of your renewal.

Please contact Lieutenant Jason Waite (209-754-6786) or Sergeant Zach Glanville (209-754-6897) to sign up for the training.