RANGEfire! | USDA: Livestock grazing protects western rangelands from wildfires

Livestock grazing protects western lands from wildfires

USDA Press Release

By Jamie Martin

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has released a study confirming the critical role that livestock grazing plays in protecting western rangelands from the dangers of wildfire.

The Public Lands Council (PLC), which represents ranchers with federal grazing permits, praised the study, noting that it adds to the growing body of evidence supporting livestock grazing as a key tool in land management and conservation.

In recent years, wildfires have become a significant threat across the western United States. The USDA-ARS study serves as a reminder that livestock grazing must be part of any comprehensive strategy to manage lands and mitigate wildfire risks.

According to the study, managed grazing reduces the amount of fine fuels—such as grasses and shrubs—that can easily ignite and spread fire.

By removing these fuels, grazing creates natural fire breaks, helping to slow the spread of wildfires and making suppression efforts more effective.

Without grazing, rangelands often see an increase in invasive grasses that not only outcompete native species but also elevate fire risks. These invasive grasses can lead to a vicious cycle of frequent and severe wildfires, which further degrade the ecosystem.

The study’s findings support the idea that partnerships between public lands ranchers and agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service are vital for maintaining healthy, resilient landscapes. Ranchers play a crucial role in carefully managing millions of acres of public land, contributing to the overall health and stability of these ecosystems.

As more attention is given to wildfire prevention, it’s clear that livestock grazing will continue to be recognized as a valuable tool in land management.

The study underscores the importance of incorporating grazing into long-term conservation and fire prevention strategies, ensuring that western rangelands remain protected for future generations.

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