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Grazing

When you visit LARPD Open Spaces, you may encounter grazers like cattle or goats.  Together with mowing and prescribed burns, grazers are important tools in reducing fire risks and managing non-native plants in our open spaces.  

Cattle standing in a grassy field at Brushy Peak, with wind turbines in the distance.
Cattle have long grazed the north side of Brushy Peak.

What to do Around Cattle

When you encounter cattle on the trail:

  • GIVE CATTLE DISTANCE.  If cattle are blocking the trail, approach them slowly, speak normally, and allow them to move away.  Never attempt to touch or pet cattle.
  • AVOID CALVES.  Do not get between young calves and mother cows.
  • KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH.  Protect yourself, your pets, and cattle by not allowing your dog to chase or harass cattle.
  • RESPECT FENCES.  Close pedestrian gates behind you.
Sign: "You are entering a cattle grazing area." Guidelines for encountering cattle and contact info for emergencies.
Signage you will see when entering cattle grazing areas in LARPD Open Space.

Follow these rules to keep yourself and others (including your furry friends) safe while recreating in grazing areas.

​​Benefits of Grazing

Cattle are here in our open spaces doing very important work!

Fire Protection

Fire is a natural part of California ecosystems, including grasslands.  With the loss of native grazers, like tule elk and pronghorn, and the suppression of fire in recent history, dangerous wildfires have become more common.  Grazing by cattle reduces "fuel load" of old plant growth and helps reduce wildfire risk.

Habitat Conservation

Cattle ponds provide breeding habitat for threatened amphibians, like California Red-legged Frogs and California Tiger Salamanders,  while cattle themselves make it easier for these critters to access these ponds by trampling and eating surrounding vegetation.

Invasive Plant Management

Much of California's grasslands are now dominated by non-native and invasive plant species.  Grazing cattle can help keep these plants in check, allowing native grassland plants to flourish.

Map of Livermore Area Recreation Park District with trails, entrances, cattle grazing area, and various facilities marked.

FAQ

Why are cattle at the park? 

Properly managed cattle grazing is good for open space and our grasslands.  Their grazing reduces wildfire risk, helps our native plant species, and helps threatened species like Red-legged Frogs and California Tiger Salamanders.

Large grazers, like tule elk and pronghorn, were historically all throughout California; cattle today can help fill that niche in the ecosystem.  Learn more about the history of grazers and grasslands in California in this Valley Wilds article.

Are cattle dangerous? 

Cattle are big livestock animals.  While not aggressive by nature, they can be dangerous if startled or provoked.  Like wild animals, they should be treated with respect.  There are things you can do to keep yourself (and your dog if you have one) safe while hiking in grazed areas.

How long will the cattle be at the park? 

Cattle are usually on the land grazing during the growing season, which could be from October to June.  LARPD and the ranchers work together to see how long the cattle should be in the park.

This is a pilot program for LARPD and we'll be evaluating the impacts for the first few years. 

Which LARPD parks have grazers? 

Cattle may be found seasonally at:

  • Sycamore Grove Park in the upper property
  • On the north side of Brushy Peak
  • Along the Patterson Ranch Trail in Zone 7's property

Goats may be found seasonally at:

  • Robertson Park along the Arroyo Mocho