Goat Grazing Wildfire Mitigation Project Becomes More Data Driven

This spring, San Rafael is kicking off its annual goat grazing program, sending herds out across our open spaces to remove dry vegetation before fire season hits. What's different this year is that we're partnering with certified rangeland managers to measure quantitatively what the goats are doing. Before and after each graze, we'll be collecting data on Residual Dry Matter (RDM) and standing fine fuels, which measure how much dry grass and plant material is on the ground that could carry a wildfire. This will allow us to ensure that the appropriate amount of grasses is being consumed by the goats and that they are being moved between sites in a manner healthy for them and for the land itself.

Goat grazing is one of the most cost-effective and low-impact tools we have for fuel reduction. Now, we will become more data-driven with empirical evidence that we can share in real time with our grazing partners. This data will help us evaluate which sites are benefiting most, refine where we deploy the herd each year, and build a record we can point to when making decisions about the program's future.

Grazing will begin off of Idylberry Road near Marinwood and Lucas Valley. To ensure goat and resident safety and to control the grazing area, the goats will be enclosed in low-voltage electric fencing. Please use caution when near the goats and keep children and pets away from the goats and fencing for their safety.