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Goat grazing pilot and wide tree‑trimming plan draw strong public pushback at commission meeting
Summary
Chief Lloyd outlined a targeted grazing pilot (CAPRA) for steep Monterey Hills slopes, weed abatement and priority trimming of roughly 3,900 city trees; multiple public commenters and commissioners raised ecological, erosion and native‑species concerns and requested more arborist/ecologist review and ongoing monitoring.
Fire Chief Greg Lloyd described several wildfire‑mitigation actions the city staff are implementing in high‑hazard zones, including a targeted grazing pilot with a contractor (CAPRA) to reduce grasses and light brush on steep public lands adjacent to private parcels, priority trimming of about 3,900 city trees to preserve 20‑foot fire‑access corridors, and street‑by‑street emergency access evaluation in the Monterey Hills. Lloyd emphasized a measured, monitored approach and said the contract includes stop‑work authority if outcomes prove unsatisfactory.
Multiple members of the public strongly opposed the grazing pilot and aspects of tree work. Angelo Gligg (S10) called the pilot "a barbaric mutilation and clear cutting and ecological disaster," raised concerns about goat girdling and long‑term shrub damage, and asked whether the city arborist had signed off on removals. Constance Villalvazo (S11) said studies show native trees and shrubs in Los Angeles County riparian areas can reduce fire spread and warned that indiscriminate grazing could increase landslide risk. Chief Lloyd responded that goats would be used in a targeted fashion with fencing and shepherd oversight, that sensitive patches would be handled mechanically, and that the city paid about $29,870 for the initial 35‑acre targeted grazing setup as a pilot that staff will monitor and can stop if needed.
