NewYou can listen to Fox News articles now!
Boulder, Colorado – As part of a growing effort to reduce the risk of wildfire In Colorado, Cows are being deployed to eat hay, which usually burns fast-moving flames.
Boulder County city officials work with local ranchers to bring herds into dangerous communities, including areas near Lake Wonderland Park, where 70 cattle grazed 35 acres.
Paul Dennison, along with Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, told Fox News that cattle grazing began in early June, which reduced the height of grass height from expected three points to four feet, if unmanaged.
Historic Grand Canyon Lodge destroyed by wildfires; North Rim closes in 2025 season
Cattle used in Boulder County, Colorado help reduce wildfire risks. (JFKHEES/Fox News)
The mountainous areas of the Colorado area have dry climates and frequent winds, especially Easily affected by wildfire. Dennison explained that using cattle to keep vegetation low can slow down potential fires and give firefighters more time to respond.
“When cattle trampled, they break down some thatch, so we’re considering reducing the fuel height in the grass, and we’re also looking for some thatch that is sprinkled under biological grass,” Denison added.
Denison said local ranchers brought the cattle into the trailer and rotated the five-acre section over a two-week period.
As grass heights, wildfire risks increase. (JFKHEES/Fox News)
Most people think of cattle as the main predator, but the agency uses cattle, sheep, goats and “basically anything that uses grass and fine fuel as food sources.”
Colorado uses grazed cattle to reduce wildfire risks in Boulder County
Jamie Barker, public information officer for Boulder Fire Rescue, said the grazing cattle are perfect for their fire department during the warmer months and fall.
Barker explained that heavy rain this year has produced more vegetation, which is good for now, but with future attention, it will be in trouble.
In Boulder, cows spent two weeks grazing 35 acres. (JFKHEES/Fox News)
“I think a lot of people are really excited because their greens are getting greener, getting taller,” Buck said. “But at the end of the day, greener and greener will dry up; that will pose a risk to some kind of wildfire.”
USDA says similar grazing plans are becoming more common The whole West, State groups such as Idaho and Nevada also use livestock to help manage wildfire risks.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Boulder officials said the plan is to move the cattle herd to another dangerous area later this fall.
