City proactively using goat-grazing program again to reduce wildfire risks

News Category

Date: April 13, 2026

Goats along the trail

The City of Mission Viejo is implementing another goat-grazing program as part of its ongoing wildfire prevention and vegetation management efforts.

The approach uses goats to reduce excess vegetation, particularly non-native grasses and weeds that can contribute to increased fire risk. Prescribed grazing is recognized as an effective, environmentally sustainable method for fuel reduction, especially in areas where steep terrain or sensitive habitats limit the use of traditional mechanical equipment.

This is second time the City will utilize goats to reduce wildfire risks. Last summer/early fall, goats grazed on the southern slope along the Jeronimo Creek Trail.

For the initial phase of this four-week program, goats will arrive on Tuesday and begin grazing the western slope later this week between Jeronimo and Casta Del Sol along the Oso Creek Trail, a roughly 12-acre open space area consisting of steep hillsides. Grazing operations will be conducted under the supervision of a qualified contractor in accordance with best management practices, environmental regulations, and applicable fire prevention guidelines. Before grazing, the site will be prepared to set up the perimeter fencing and remove any vegetation harmful to livestock, and ongoing monitoring will ensure that grazing is controlled and protective of desirable native plant species. 

As part of the City’s Arbor and Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 25, residents will have the chance to visit a designated “Meet the Goats” area with miniature goats. This interactive space will allow community members to interact with miniature goats while learning about their role in vegetation management, wildfire prevention, and environmental stewardship. People will also be able to view the goat grazing along the Oso Creek Trail across from the volunteer planting areas.

Comments

Submitted by City Staff on Mon, 05/11/2026 - 9:39 am

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Thank you for your comment and interest in the goat grazing program. The goats are most active in the morning hours, but are wrapping up their project here over the next few days. We hope to have the goats back next year, so stay tuned for that!

Submitted by City Staff on Wed, 04/22/2026 - 9:12 am

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Thank you for your comments on the City's News page and interest in the goats. This is a part of ongoing wildfire prevention and vegetation management efforts throughout the City. As to interacting with the goats, residents will have the chance to visit a designated “Meet the Goats” area with miniature goats during the annual Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration and Green Expo from 8 am to noon on Saturday, April 25. This interactive space, which is part of the City’s goat-grazing program, will allow community members to interact with miniature goats while learning about their role in vegetation management, wildfire prevention, and environmental stewardship.

Submitted by Ralph Bobsin on Fri, 04/17/2026 - 8:45 pm

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What about the Canaveras slope, Wilderness Park area? Does the city have any plans on using the goats to help clean up that slope? Not enough has been done.

Submitted by Peggy Revel on Thu, 04/16/2026 - 6:12 pm

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I love the goat grazing program! Any chance you will putting them on Los Alisos near Vista Del Lago? Lots to eat there.

Submitted by Lindsay A on Thu, 04/16/2026 - 6:07 pm

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I love that the city is doing this and would love to propose to another community I am a part of. Is there someone I can speak to regarding the process the city went through to get this program implemented? Thanks!

Submitted by City Staff on Tue, 04/14/2026 - 9:13 am

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Thank you for your comments and interest in these amazing goats. As to your question about coyotes, these goats are constantly under the watchful eyes of a number of large and dutiful guard dogs, that have been successfully protecting them for many years.

Submitted by Karen on Mon, 04/13/2026 - 5:41 pm

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This is so awesome. I know this was very productive in Laguna but then they stopped using them for some reason. I am so happy to hear our beautiful city is doing something so positive with our beautiful wilderness areas.

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