In an effort to combat fires that frequently plague the area, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve welcomed some new, albeit temporary, residents last week. Over 1,000 goats were released on 35 acres to feast on brush and invasive plants in order to mitigate fire-fighting efforts and encourage further growth of native plants.
Spearheaded by multiple organizations including the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, Mayor Karen Bass’ office, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Councilmember Padilla’s office and local LAFD stations, this pilot project aims to safely clear hard to access areas in a sustainable way.
The idea initially struck in 2020, but navigating permission from multiple departments and delaying start dates thanks to Mother Nature took time and the goats have now been set loose!
Mike Choi of Fire Grazers Inc. provided the “trip” or group of goats whose grazing has been proven to be an ecologically-sound, cost effective and efficient means of fire-brush clearance. They currently occupy the field near the Apollo XI Model Airplane facility, adjacent to the wildlife reserve.
The goats (all of which are female!) will be allowed to graze for a few weeks before the official start of birding season, around March 15, when they will then be removed from the basin. An electric fence keeps them in a designated area, where a herding dog and a goat herder also reside to watch the trip and keep predators and intruders away.
The Army Corps of Engineers granted permission and a Right of Entry for Fire Grazers to occupy the space, while the city paid for a biological survey of the land before the goats’ arrival. The funding for the goats themselves came from the San Fernando Audubon Society but member Pat Bates stresses, “it’s thanks to the support and push of the mayor’s office who went above and beyond or this wouldn’t have happened.”
If the pilot program proves successful, there is the hope to bring the goats back in mid-July in addition to other mitigation offerings. As locals can attest, fire has been an ever-constant threat in the basin and any efforts to reduce those threats is welcome.
Katheryn Barton, President of San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, told Valley News Group that, “SFV Audubon is committed to keeping our parks and reserves safe for wildlife as well as residents.”
