Conservation Grazing

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.