California likes to try *interesting* approaches to things, to say at the very least. Well, now some cities in California have decided in order to prevent a repeat of last year’s wildfires, the best way to go about it is to hire goats to clear out the grass. Yup. They have goats eating up dry bushes and invasive grasses across the steep hillsides, which are some of the most challenging topography to tackle during fires.
According to a report by NPR, since the beginning of July, Anaheim has had 400 goats roaming around Deer Canyon Park. The contract with the Environmental Land Management has been renewed since then in order to keep the goats grazing throughout the year. Northern California is already experiencing the first fires of the year. This means they are trying to prevent another potentially horrific fire season ahead by following suit.
Paso Robles set over 100 hungry goats loose to graze the fire-prone Salinas Riverbed for the following months. The Regional Water Board and Fish and Wildlife approved the $45,000 goat project. This project allows dozens of areas to be cleared.
Why goats? According to Palos Robles fire and emergency officials, goats are the most efficient animals for the job. They also have a lower environmental impact compared to other preventative measures. The farm animals also eat straight to the roots and don’t struggle plowing through tough dry vegetation. They’re also nimble, which allows them to get into spaces that other livestock wouldn’t be able to.
Similar projects have started in Simi Valley, with hundreds of goats helping around the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
This is definitely a new take on Smokey Bear’s “only you can prevent wildfires” campaign. But, whatever gets the job done. Good luck to all of the goats. Hopefully they stay hungry enough to keep up the good work.
