Boulder Prairie Dog Debates: Public Meeting

BOULDER, CO -- Prairie dog management is always a topic of hot debate in Boulder County — so much so that it has its own annual, public, policy review meeting. This year's event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ron Stewart Parks and Open Space Building on 5201 St. Vrain Rd. in Longmont.

County staff will be on hand to discuss activities conducted in 2018 and how the department plans to address current challenges on agricultural lands. Public comment will be welcome, and the county notes that no changes are proposed this year to the Prairie Dog Habitat Element of the Grassland and Shrubland Management Policy.

Boulder County states that its goal is to preserve, protect, and enhance viable prairie dog populations on suitable grassland habitat, while also protecting agriculture and promoting good neighbor relations. One unique option for management that was discussed at the 2017 meeting is working to find appropriate locations to reintroduce black-footed ferrets, a natural prairie dog predator, onto Boulder County Open Space.

Earlier this year, activists successfully fought an attempt to remove prairie dogs from City of Lafayette land. The city council instituted a moratorium on their removal in the area while regulations were revised.

Do you like this article? Join the Boulder Patch on Facebook! Stay in touch with the news and events that shape Boulder County. Sign up for your free Patch newsletter here.

Photo via Boulder County