A herd of cattle on Shanahan Ridge might just be the key to keeping homes in South Boulder safe from wildfires. For the ninth year the herd is grazing the hillside south of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder.

By grazing, the cattle also reduce vegetation that can become fuel for a wildfire.

“Every year we bring in a herd of cattle from one of our local ranchers in Boulder County to help us with vegetation management goals,” program supervisor, Kelly Uhing said.