Grazing for Fuels Management and Sage Grouse Habitat Maintenance and Recovery: A Case Study from Squaw Valley Ranch

Abstract

On the Ground • Properly applied grazing management may reduce fire frequency in annual grass–invaded sagebrush communities. • Grazing can be a cost-effective tool for reducing fire potential and protecting sage grouse habitat from burning. • Squaw Valley Ranch has been able to reduce fire frequency through preventive practices, which include intensive, appropriate livestock management on private lands. • Publicly managed lands associated with the ranch have experienced large and frequent fires, a hindrance to improving or maintaining sage grouse Habitat.