San Fernando Valley Audubon Society (SFVAS) is proud to announce that we are funding the 35 acre goat grazing pilot project in the Sepulveda Basin, employing goats provided by Fire Grazers, Inc. The SFVAS board has enthusiastically supported such an endeavor for many years. Our Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve was totally incinerated in a fatal fire in 2020 and the entire basin has experienced hundreds of fires annually, resulting in injuries to firefighters, damaged habitat and threats to wildlife, the surrounding community, and park patrons.. Expected results of this project include reduced fire risk as well as an opportunity to evaluate the effect on reemergence of native flora.
The location being grazed is part of a 75 acre environmentally degraded field which from time to time is consumed by dramatic and dangerous fires. The subject area is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and is leased to the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP), and is adjacent to the Apollo XI Model Airplane facility. Obtaining permission for the project was a complex multi-jurisdictional process, and tremendous credit goes to the Los Angeles Mayor’s office – especially Senior Advisor to Mayor Karen Bass Larry Frank, Robert W. Clark Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Deputy Chief of Staff Jenny Delwood.The project also hinged on support from Councilmember Padilla, RAP, USACE and the LAFD. A biological survey was commissioned by RAP prior to the graze, and the area will be monitored throughout the process.
This precedent-setting project represents the first time goat grazing for fire suppression has been used on property controlled by RAP or by the USACE Los Angeles district which stretches from the New Mexico border to the coast. We are hopeful that goat grazing can become a tool in our City’s fire-fighting arsenal.
- A few words about the goats – which are all female!. The goats are contained by a portable electric fence (best not to touch) and a herd dog. There is a goat herder on site 24/7. These are working animals – please let them do their work and munch away! These are professionals!!
- Meet the Goats – Friday, February 27 at 1 PM!