This session will look to tell the story of a collaborative restoration effort led by the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP), where cattle grazing was thoughtfully reintroduced to support healthy ecosystems, reduce wildfire risk, and manage invasive species, right in the heart of one of the most heavily visited parts of the open space system. Historically grazed, the Shanahan Ridge area saw cattle return in 2014 after more than 60 years. It began with a small 160-acre pilot aimed at knocking back invasive Tall Oatgrass (TOG). Early signs of success allowed the project to grow—by 2021, over 600 acres were being actively managed with grazing. This session will highlight how, when used intentionally, livestock can be a powerful tool for land stewardship. But this work goes beyond land management. It also supports OSMP’s broader goals—from restoring native grasslands and thinning forests, to improving habitat for wild turkeys, bats, salamanders, and the northern leopard frog. All of this is happening in a high-use area where conservation, recreation, and community values meet—and sometimes clash. We'll dive into how OSMP partnered with local ranchers to design a grazing program that benefits both the land and those who work it. We’ll explore how new technology, creative problem-solving, and strong communication strategies helped keep the project aligned with ecological goals and community expectations.

Experience Level: Intermediate