In this episode we connect with Beth Reynolds of The Goat Girls, a woman owned and operated contract grazing operation located on California’s Central Coast to learn about her successes and challenges with long term viability of the targeted grazing industry, especially as it relates to fire preparedness and fuels management.
Over the last decade, California has experienced the most dangerous, destructive, and environmentally hazardous wildfires in the history of the state. Prescribed grazing is a versatile and ecologically-based wildfire mitigation strategy with scientifically proven benefits to our environment, soil, and greenhouse gas reduction goals. Prescribed grazing complements other vegetation management practices through the reduction of fuel loads and implementation in areas where controlled burns are considered too risky or not appropriate for the ecosystem.
Later in the episode, we join Senator Monique Limón on a tour of a grazing operation in Ojai Valley, who represents District 19 in Santa Barbara County. She authored Senate Bill 675 and introduced it in February of this year in order to enhance wildfire mitigation efforts by expanding statewide prescribed grazing efforts.
SHOW NOTES:
- The Goat Girls
- Cal Poly Sheep Unit
- SB 675
- AB 297
- Paso Robles- Salinas River Vegetation Management Project
- CEQA and grazing resources
- Prescribed Herbivory White paper from the Rangeland Management Advisory Committee
- Regional Water Quality Control Board and Grazing tips
- Upper Salinas- Las Tablas Resources Conservation District
- CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program
- California Climate and Action Network: Wildfire Policy Resources
- Resources Legacy Fund- Wildfire Strategies
PRODUCTION TEAM:
- Podcast hosted by Amber Schat and supported by Grizzly Corps Fellow, Joshua Harjes
- Audio engineering and editing by Coby McDonald
- Music by Blue Dot Sessions
- Release Date: 12/08/202
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS