Residents press OSBT to remove prairie-dog pupping moratorium; board schedules follow-up items

Paula Schuler, speaking during public comment at the Oct. 8 Open Space Board of Trustees meeting, urged trustees to remove the seasonal moratorium on lethal prairie-dog control and to make prairie-dog management a central item at the board’s upcoming retreat and work plan.

“My name is Paula Schuler…OSMP has been steadily working to remove prairie dogs from irrigated parcels. That work is paying off,” Schuler said. She asked the board to consider four actions including removing the March 1–May 31 pupping moratorium, permitting burrow disturbance and lethal control on dryland cropland, evaluating the costs and benefits of the OSMP “barrier on all sides” policy, and reporting annually on rangeland condition and occupancy rates.

Schuler cited staff data saying that irrigated parcels saw a 22% to 56% increase in prairie-dog occupancy in 2024 and argued that the current 70% occupancy seen in some grasslands is “not acceptable” and that OSMP should target a 10%–26% occupancy level on those lands.

Trustees and staff acknowledged the issue and said prairie-dog management is already on the calendar. Dan (staff) and other trustees said OSMP will present a written prairie-dog program item in December, host the annual community forum, and place a prairie-dog management agenda item before the board in February. Trustees also said field trips and retreat planning can incorporate prairie-dog and agricultural topics.

Trustee Sarah (last name not specified) and other trustees acknowledged receipt of a detailed email from Elizabeth Black and indicated the board would consider that material as part of upcoming deliberations. Staff noted that Boulder County removed its pupping moratorium in 2022 and that staff were studying staffing and program capacity to implement year-round management if the board directs policy change.