
Shepherdess Land & Livestock’s crew arrived on September 12, and the goats began grazing on a hillside within minutes.
Cole Bush said the animals can clear between one and five acres daily, depending on vegetation density.
Fire Chief Joshua Allen, who has supported the idea for a decade, said the trial will test if grazing can replace heavy machinery in hard‑to‑reach zones.
The East Miramar range, adjacent to the base’s explosive ordnance division, presents a fire‑fuel problem that is hard to address with conventional equipment.
Local resident Maria Lopez, who lives near the perimeter, said she hopes the reduced brush will lower the risk of a wildfire spilling onto her street.
If the pilot proves effective, the program could expand to the entire base perimeter and serve as a model for other installations; the goats are slated to remain until 2026.