Targeted Goat Grazing
Beginning October 2025, a herd of 100–300 goats & sheep will maintain Round Mountain’s shaded fuel break — lowering ladder fuels with low‑impact seasonal browsing.
Why goats? Key outcomes
Fuel reduction
Reduces ladder fuels to reduce wildfire severity.
Risk mitigation
Maintains strategic fuel break to aid fire suppression efforts.
Community safety
Improves evacuation routes and reduces ember cast potential.
Ecological benefits
Reduces competition for resources and supports native plant communities.
Seasonal timeline
Kickoff: herd arrives & site prep
October 2025
Targeted grazing in 1–5 acre paddocks
Oct–May (seasonal)
Move paddocks; monitor browse & stubble
Every 3–6 days
Adaptive management based on fuel conditions
Ongoing annually
Where we’re working
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Units prioritized through collaboration with partners and landowners; final routes adapt to weather, forage, and monitoring feedback.
Field photos
Common questions
How big are the paddocks and how long do goats stay?
Paddocks are typically 1–5 acres. Animals remain 3–6 days on average before moving, depending on forage and objectives.
Is this annual or “as-needed”?
The goal is annual targeted grazing during the October–May window to maintain an open understory. Units may be skipped when fuel and forage conditions don’t warrant treatment.
What about water, dogs, and public access?
Operations use a water trailer with paddocks planned along road access where feasible. Two livestock guardian dogs stay with the herd. Trails remain open; temporary electric fencing is signed to alert visitors.
How does grazing compare to mechanical thinning or prescribed fire?
Grazing is targeted and low-impact, ideal on steep or sensitive terrain and as a pretreatment or maintenance complement to thinning and prescribed fire. Method selection is unit-specific.
Project documents
Partners & supporters
