Visitors to the City of San Diego's Miramar Reservoir recently saw something unusual: hundreds of goats grazing near the dam. The Public Utilities Department contracted with a local company to have more than 250 goats clear dry brush to allow for inspection of the dam and help reduce fire risk. 

 

Public Utilities operates and maintains dams for nine reservoirs that support the water supply for the City. The dams' upkeep requires routine maintenance and daily inspections to ensure their safety.  As it turns out, goats can play a key role in this maintenance because they provide an energy-efficient and low-carbon alternative to mechanized equipment to remove dry brush and ensure proper visibility of the face of the dam.

 

Since 2005, the City of San Diego has allowed the use of goats to remove brush, which helps reduce the risk of wildfires. Goats are voracious eaters and are not particularly picky about what they chow down on. 20 to 30 goats can clear an acre in a few days. While the goats will chomp on plants down to nubs, they leave root systems that may help keep soil from washing away and eroding a hillside.

 

After evaluating the goats' work at Miramar Reservoir, the City will assess the feasibility of using their services in other locations.

 

Private property owners with large tracts of land in the city can also use goats to remove brush as long as they receive a permit from the Fire-Rescue Department. There is no charge for the permit application.

 

Combustible vegetation, especially dry brush, should be cleared to reduce fire risk. Any material left in its natural state will readily ignite, burn and cause fire to move to any structure or other vegetation. This would include dry grass, brush, weeds, litter and waste. For more information about brush management and guidelines, visit sandiego.gov/fire/services/brush.