In the picturesque coastal town of Laguna Beach, California, residents and visitors have become accustomed to an unusual sight: herds of goats grazing on the hillsides near the village entrance. These caprine crusaders are not merely a charming addition to the landscape; they serve a vital purpose in the city's ongoing battle against wildfires.
For nearly three decades, Laguna Beach has implemented a goat grazing program as part of its comprehensive fire mitigation efforts. The program, which costs approximately $183,000 per year, employs two herds of 200 goats each to consume vegetation across 10 fuel modification zones, covering an area of roughly 280 acres. These zones are strategically located where properties interface with open spaces, aiming to create a 100-foot buffer between structures and potential wildfire fuel sources.
Fire Marshal Robert Montaghami strongly advocates for the program, stating, "It's a very cost-effective way of reducing the fuel and the hazard out there in our community." He recommends the strategy to other communities facing similar topographical challenges, emphasizing the importance of proper management and routine implementation for optimal results.
The timing of the goat grazing program is crucial, with the city striving to complete the process between the rainy season and October each year. This proactive approach is informed by the lessons learned from the devastating October 1993 fire, which burned more than 400 homes and 16,000 acres. Since then, Laguna Beach has continually adapted its fire prevention methods and safety mechanisms to protect the community.
n addition to the goat grazing program, Laguna Beach employs hand crews to manage 17 fuel modification zones containing protected vegetation and wildlife. The city also has a weed abatement program and offers fire safety inspections to residents. These combined efforts, along with home hardening measures such as fire-resistant roofing and proper ventilation, contribute to a comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy.
The goat grazing program has become an integral part of Laguna Beach's culture, with the animals featured in local theater productions and capturing the curiosity of schoolchildren during City Hall field trips. Councilman Bob Whalen notes, "The goats are a big part of our community. It's been almost three decades."
As the city continues to prioritize wildfire mitigation, the goat grazing program remains a key component of its strategy. City Manager Dave Kiff, who recently joined the Laguna Beach administration, recognizes the importance of planning and implementing the most advanced protection measures possible before the next wildfire inevitably occurs.
