Santa Rosa Fire Department
s wildfire season advances, the Santa Rosa Fire Department (SRFD) and City Parks crews are once again using livestock grazing to strengthen vegetation management and improve fire resilience. SRFD first incorporated grazing into its annual program last year, and in the 2026 season it will be used at seven sites encompassing approximately 80 acres of City parklands and open spaces, with priority given to areas within the wildland–urban interface.
Grazing provides a natural and effective way to reduce fire fuels, break up continuous vegetation, and support overall ecosystem health. One of its most immediate benefits is the removal of fine fuels—especially dried grasses. By reducing both the amount and continuity of vegetation, grazing helps limit how fire spreads. Animals create a mosaic of heavily grazed and lightly grazed areas, disrupting uninterrupted stretches of flammable material and making potential fires easier to manage.
In addition to fire prevention, well-managed grazing supports habitat conservation and biodiversity. It helps control invasive grasses, encourages native plant species, shapes habitat structure, and benefits local wildlife.
SRFD anticipates that combining strategically managed grazing with prescribed burning and mechanical (human-led) fuel reduction will significantly reduce wildfire severity across city parklands.
If you encounter grazing operations while visiting park open spaces, please keep the following in mind:
- Use caution near electrified fencing.
- Keep all dogs on a leash.
- Do not feed the goats.
- A professional shepherd is on site 24/7 to monitor the animals.
For more information on the benefits of grazing please visit the Grazing for Community Resilience Website (URL) and for more information on being prepared for Wildfire Season please visit the Wildfire Ready Website (URL).
For information on weed and overgrowth maintenance in Santa Rosa, please visit the Citywide Weed Abatement & Maintenance FAQs