Council extends goat‑grazing pilot, approves expanded weed‑abatement and seeks hazard‑mitigation grant

The City Council adopted three resolutions directing expanded wildfire prevention work across San Clemente’s open space and infrastructure at its Aug. 19 meeting.

Short‑term extension: Council approved a staff request to extend and broaden a pilot goat‑grazing project through March 31, 2026, and authorized a supplemental appropriation of up to $100,000 for short‑term gap work while grant decisions are pending.

Near‑term grant application: Staff reported that a Cal Fire Wildfire Prevention grant application submitted Aug. 6 targets invasive‑plant removal and spot grazing across prioritized public open spaces (approximately 348 acres identified for treatments) and would fund targeted treatments over two growing cycles. Staff said the city expects a December decision on that application.

Hazard Mitigation Grant: The city is pursuing a larger Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application (approximately $8.55 million project) that would fund broader fuel‑reduction work along the wildland‑urban interface. Staff asked council to commit matching resources (up to 25% of the grant, but largely through in‑kind contributions such as staff time and volunteer labor). Council adopted the staff resolution authorizing that match language.

Weed‑abatement contract: Council approved awarding a contract to Ed Stewart and Associates, Inc., increasing the weed abatement program budget by $96,060 (total requested contract support $256,060). Staff told the council that rising contractor costs, expansion of designated fire hazard severity zones and additional defensible‑space work drive the increase. About half the increase covers maintenance at city‑owned facilities (pumping stations, reservoirs) and the other half funds recommended defensible‑space work that abuts private properties.

Council discussion and public comment: Speakers urged swift action. Mike Kaye, a resident who has worked with volunteer crews, urged the council to move quickly and defended the pilot and staffing costs. Amanda Quintanilla and others advised careful attention to environmental review, biologically sensitive areas and geotechnical constraints on some open spaces. Staff said the Cal Fire grant would support biological review and that any on‑the‑ground work could only proceed after required environmental and site studies.

Implementation: Staff described a phased approach — short‑term targeted grazing around Vista Hermosa Sports Park and adjacent open space, then grant‑funded spot treatments, and finally larger scale fuel‑management projects if federal hazard mitigation funds are secured. The council asked staff to pursue interagency coordination with Camp Pendleton and OCFA, to prioritize site‑specific biological surveys, and to make the greatest use possible of volunteer labor and in‑kind matches to minimize general‑fund impact.