Livestock Grazing Used to Reduce Wildfire Risks
Targeted grazing, a wildfire prevention method using livestock such as goats, sheep, and cattle, is gaining traction in the U.S. Forest Service's efforts to manage fire risks. This method involves using livestock to graze on flammable vegetation, reducing the fuel available for wildfires. The practice, known as pyrograzing, has been implemented in a quarter of the U.S. Forest Service's ranger districts in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain, and Pacific Southwest regions. While effective in certain contexts, targeted grazing requires careful planning, including timing and resource allocation, to achieve desired results. In some areas, such as Idaho, sheep have successfully reduced invasive grasses and increased native wildflower cover. However, challenges remain, including logistical and financial constraints, as well as concerns about environmental impacts. [Good Good Good, 2026-09-16]
