California Town Launches "Goat Fund Me" To Help Prevent Wildfires

california town launches Goat Fund Me campaign to help prevent wildfires

A town in Northern California has launched a "Goat Fund Me" crowdfunding campaign to help bring herds of goats to city-owned land to help clear brush, following one of the most destructive wildfire seasons on record.

The crowdfunding campaign was launched by Nevada City Vice Mayor Reinette Senum last month with the stated goal of of raising $30,000 for the project. 

"Our city staff, fire and police departments, as well as city council members realize how important it is that we take proactive steps NOW," the 'Goat Fund Me' reads. "This is why we have been working for weeks with local ranchers to launch a goat/sheep prescriptive grazing on city-owned land including the over 450 acres of city-owned greenbelt.

crowdfunding campaign launched to help northern california town prevent wildfires

The city need to move quickly and raise the funds needed for the goats as local ranchers are only able to offer their herds during the winter. According to the campaign, about 200 goats can knock down an acre per day. 

"Prescriptive grazing can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per acre depending on the difficulty of the terrain and how much there is to graze," the fundraiser reads. 

Senum writes on the campaign's website that if they don't take proactive steps to prepare for the next wildfire season, nothing will get done. 

"If we don't do this for ourselves, it's simply not going to happen. There is no better insurance policy than to reduce the risk at hand. Let's be proactive and ensure that we are safe and thriving in a healthy, fire-free community!"

California is still recovering from one of the most brutal wildfire seasons in the state's history. In November, the Camp Fire in northern California broke out, destroying more than 14,000 homes and killing 86 people, making it the deadliest in state history. The fire has been blamed on improperly maintained power lines operated by PG&E.

President Donald Trump has also threatened to order the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cease sending money to the state to fight wildfires there. 



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