Goats Help Maintain Miramar Reservoir, Reduce Fire Risk
Visitors enjoy seeing the variety of wildlife when visiting the City of San Diego’s Miramar Reservoir in the Scripps Ranch community.
Recent visitors might have been surprised by an unusual group of animals: hundreds of goats grazing near the dam.
The City’s 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.
Under human supervision, several dozen goats can efficiently and safely clear an acre of brush per day. Photo: City of San Diego
Goat Herds Provide Energy-Efficient Reservoir Maintenance
Public Utilities operates and maintains dams for nine reservoirs that support the water supply for the City of San Diego. Routine maintenance and daily inspections help ensure the safety of this vital infrastructure.
Goats can play a vital 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 picky about what they consume.
Twenty to thirty goats can clear an acre of brush in a few days. The goats eat plants down to the soil’s surface but leave root systems that help keep soil from washing away and causing hillside erosion.
Goats May Become A Regular Sight
Goats may be used at additional locations among the City of San Diego’s nine reservoirs. Photo: City of San Diego
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 amounts of land needing brush clearance within the City of San Diego can also use goats to remove brush on their property. They must first 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 includes dry grass, brush, weeds, litter, and waste.
For more information about brush management and guidelines, visit sandiego.gov/fire/services/brush.
