910 Calle Negocio
2nd Floor
San Clemente, California
www.san-clemente.org
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
Meeting Date: June 3, 2025 Agenda Item: 10C.
Submitted By: City Manager
Prepared By: Andy Hall, City Manager
Subject:
..titl e
CONSIDERATION OF EXTENDING THE GOAT GRAZING NOXIOUS WEED AND FIRE FUEL REDUCTION PILOT PROGRAM UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2025 ..body
Fiscal Impact:
All costs associated with the initial phase of the pilot program were donated by the owner of the goats, Mr. Mike Kay. The extension and expansion of the program will cost $100,000 for the period of July 1 through December 31, 2025. Funding has not been identified and would need to be appropriated from the General Fund balance.
Summary:
In response to both a significant increase in noxious weeds and potential fire fuel in the open space areas of San Clemente, the City Council authorized a goat grazing pilot program for a specified parcel of City owned property. The initial phase of the program was completed donated by Mike Kay, the owner of the goats. The program included the goats, the construction of a goat enclosure, and grazing of noxious weeds and grasses that can also become fire fuel (and a donkey named Steve). In addition to the grazing, Mr. Kay provided educational and volunteer opportunities. The City provided the property and water for the animals.
Background:
In October of 2024, a goat grazing program was
established to reduce noxious weeds and fire fuels
on open space owned by the City of San Clemente.
The original pilot program concluded in April of 2025
and an assessment of the program was conducted
between the owner of the Goats, Mr. Mike Kay, and
members of staff. The program was successful in
the assigned location for weed and fire fuel removal,
as expected, and the public response was
overwhelmingly positive.
Following discussion with staff, the owner of the
goats, who is also an experienced fire fighter, has
suggested that there remains a lot of work to do on the City owned property and would like to extend and expand the program. Staff is supportive of the proposed expansion, but suggest that the timeframe be limited to December 31, 2025. The proposed timeframe would allow the pilot project to continue while the community fire preparation program is prepared by staff for future consideration by the City Council. It is anticipated that the fire preparation program will include 1 Attachment 2
Meeting Date: June 3, 2025 Agenda Item: 10C.
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
goat grazing as one of the strategies in reducing the likelihood of fire in the community. The expansion of the pilot project would increase the number of goats from about 20 to about 100 goats and address more than 30 additional acres of City owned open space located south of Vista Hermosa Park and perhaps other areas of City owned open space. In order to extend and expand the project, Mr. Kay is seeking $100,000 in funding that will be used to:
Continue the grazing program until December 31, 2025
Expand the enclosure and add necessary animal care items Conduct environmental review for additional City owned lands for grazing Conduct outreach and education for local homeowner’s associations Provide some funding for general expenses associated with the program (feeding, transportation, etc.)
As the program matures from a pilot program into a more consistent effort, a permanent program could include a comprehensive citywide grazing plan to reduce noxious weeds and reduce fire fuels.
Council Options:
Terminate the pilot project and restore the current site to its previous condition. Expand the pilot project and authorize a supplemental appropriation from General Fund balance to provide funding for the additional efforts.
Provide alternative direction to the City Manager.
Environmental Review/Analysis:
Action to expand the project in and of itself is not defined as a project by the California Environmental Quality Act. However, goat grazing with an expanded foot print will require additional environmental review and may need additional City Council action.
Recommended Actions:
Staff Recommendation ..recommendation
Staff recommends an extension and expansion of the pilot project. To date, the current pilot project has been successful and supported by residents. An additional six months to study the issue and become more familiar with the limitations of the grazing program can ensure the activity is adequately addressed in the preparation of the community fire preparation program. ..end
Attachment:
None.
Notification:
None.
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