Conservation Grazing

A unique conservation deal for 3,000 acres in San Mateo County, CA will result in an experiment in "conservation grazing."

1 minute read

February 10, 2002, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


This article reports on an unusual purchase by the Peninsula Open Space Trust of 3,681 acres that will play host to both nature enthusiastsand cattle. The $21 million Driscoll Ranch will be sold at a discount to a public agency and converted into a public park, while current owner Rudy Driscoll will be given a lifetimegrazing lease for 175 cattle. According to some environmentalists quoted in the article, the cows may poison the water, cause erosion and harm fish. However, Driscoll believes his "conversation grazing" can reduce fire danger and control weeds (instead of using fire, pesticides or mowing), while improving the landscape.

Thanks to California Policy Forum

Thursday, February 7, 2002 in San Jose Mercury News

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