On May 12, 2019, 425 goats arrived in the Los Altos Hills County Fire District to graze on the brush, thistles, weeds, poison oak and vegetation for approximately 11 days. In addition to the goats were three herding dogs and two herders with the necessary equipment needed to care for the goats.
The herd was stationed at the Altamont water tank at Byrne Preserve. The goats performed very well despite the heavy rains that occurred during their visit and did not encounter any particular challenges. The goats were successful in reducing fire fuel vegetation in the area where they grazed. It was also enjoyable for residents of the area to come by and see the goats do their job.
The service of goat grazing is an annual fire mitigation activity provide by the Los Altos Hills County Fire District in an effort to reduce dangerous underbrush in an environmentally friendly and natural manner.
