Miramar Launched Goat Program for Wildfire Prevention

The Marine Corps Air Station deployed 471 goats to clear brush across 600 acres of steep canyon terrain.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Military Jobs

A large herd of goats grazes on dry, golden-brown brush within a steep Southern California canyon. — Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has deployed a herd of 471 goats to graze on 600 acres of canyon brush to help prevent wildfires. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has initiated a pilot program utilizing 471 goats to mitigate wildfire risks by consuming dry vegetation. This effort marks the first time a U.S. military installation has employed targeted grazing for land management.

Why it matters

The program seeks to protect vital military infrastructure and sensitive native habitats while avoiding the soil disruption, chemical runoff, and emissions often caused by mechanical clearing methods.

The program utilizes 471 goats to clear an initial sector spanning more than 600 acres of steep canyon terrain. The pilot is scheduled to operate for a duration of five to six weeks.

The players

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

This facility is a major aviation installation located in San Diego that serves as the primary site for the wildfire prevention pilot program.

Shepherdess Land and Livestock

This private firm has specialized in targeted grazing services since 2020 and is managing the goat herd at the installation.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Located in Southern California, this military base serves as a regional benchmark due to its average of 101 wildfires per year.

The details

Goats were deployed to navigate steep terrain where human crews and machinery struggle to operate effectively. By creating natural buffers through brush consumption, the installation aims to slow the spread of potential wildfires.

September 15, 2026: The goat grazing program officially launched at Miramar.
2020: Shepherdess Land and Livestock began providing targeted grazing services.
Next 5 to 6 weeks: The goats are scheduled to continue clearing vegetation across the base.

Market Landscape

This program follows the growing regional trend of using targeted grazing to manage fuel loads in high-risk canyon environments. It reflects a shift toward sustainable land management strategies that prioritize ecological preservation over traditional mechanical clearing.

Local residents may see reduced wildfire risk in the canyons surrounding the base as these natural grazing buffers are established. No immediate changes to civilian retail pricing or base access have been reported as a result of the program.

The takeaway

Targeted grazing provides a low-emission alternative to traditional firebreaks in difficult terrain. Agencies managing brush-heavy landscapes may look to the results of this pilot to determine if biological solutions can replace more costly mechanical maintenance.