Laguna Beach details fuel-modification zones, goat grazing and planned new zones; seeks state cooperation on Crystal Cove lands

Laguna Beach public safety officials described the city—s fuel-modification program at a community workshop and said they are pursuing additional zones while seeking coordination with state land managers over adjoining parkland.

Fire Marshal Robert Montagami said the city manages 27 fuel-modification zones where open space interfaces with developed lots. "There are 27 zones and each zones are open space areas that interface with homes throughout our community," he said. He said about 10 zones are managed with goat grazing, and 15 zones in higher-value habitat are managed by Laguna Canyon Foundation using mechanical and hand treatments because goats are not permitted in sensitive habitat areas.

Montagami described Zone 1 (Dartmoor) as a roughly 31.2-acre area that is managed in part by goat grazing and in part by the…