New study: Cattle grazing significantly reduces wildfire spread

University of California Cooperative Extension researchers just completed a timely study showing cattle grazing is an essential tool in reducing wildfire — a tool they say should be expanded and refined. Recent record-shattering wildfires across California, Oregon and Washington have demonstrated the need for better fire control. Researchers say their study shows that without the 1.8 million beef cattle that graze California's rangelands annually, the state would have hundreds to thousands of additional pounds per acre of fine fuels on the landscape, and this year's wildfires would be even more devastating. Researchers say cattle grazing is underutilized on public and private lands and targeted grazing should be expanded. "Cattle grazing directly impacts fuel load and fire behavior," said Felix Ratcliff, a rangeland consultant who contributed to the research. Researchers say more private landowners and public land agencies should contract for grazing. About 40% of California is grazed, according to Sheila Barry, University of California natural resource and livestock adviser and researcher in the study. But many grazable acres aren't grazed, she said. The public, said Barry, often don't see benefits of grazing; they see short grass and cow patties. Cattle's role in preventing wildfires, she said, is often overlooked. Justin Oldfield, executive director of the California Cattle Council, which funded the research, told the Capital Press he hopes the study demonstrates grazing benefits. Some public land agencies already use cattle. Allison Rofe, rangeland specialist for East Bay Parks in California, said she considers cattle grazing of annual grasslands the "single most effective passive management tool" in fire control...MORE