Targeted livestock grazing as a tool for wildfire risk management

According to a U.S. Forest Service staff survey, the majority of professionals acknowledge the moderate effectiveness of targeted grazing for managing wildfire risks. Experience with this method is already present in a quarter of the forest districts in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain, and Pacific Southwest regions. In the state of Idaho, for example, field trials are being conducted on the use of sheep to control invasive grass species: during certain periods, this approach allowed for a reduction in their coverage by more than 20%, while promoting the growth of native wildflowers.

However, scaling this practice is fraught with serious obstacles. To achieve results, farmers often have to change grazing schedules, ensure water supply to arid zones, and keep livestock on-site longer than is required for weight gain. These factors lead to additional financial costs and organizational complexities, making the use of the method economically unfeasible in many contexts.

The results of a 2025 study show that only 5% of the surveyed forest service employees are prepared to implement targeted grazing in the coming years. Major concerns are related to a lack of resources for planning and project management, the absence of performance monitoring systems, as well as issues regarding the compensation of farmers for such services. Furthermore, plans to expand the use of grazing have faced legal challenges from environmental groups concerned about the state of wildlife.

At the moment, work on evaluating the prospects of targeted grazing is ongoing. The success of the practice depends directly on the coordination of efforts between farmers, herders, agency personnel, and researchers, provided that technical and financial support for these initiatives is ensured.