PARENT SESSION
Poster Session #59: Fire Ecology II.
Thursday, August 8. Presentation from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Exhibit Hall B & C, TCC

Effects of goat-grazing on composition and structure of fire-prone vegetation .

Kluger, Barbara^*,1, ¹ San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

ABSTRACT- California has fire-prone ecosystems, such as oak woodlands and coastal scrub that are within urban-wildland interface zones. Land managers create fuelbreaks as buffers from which wildfires can be more easily controlled by fire fighters, and presumably, burn with lower intensity. Because fuelbreaks are being maintained with goat grazing all over California in fire-prone areas within urban-wildland interface zones, it is crucial that we evaluate potential indirect negative environmental impacts of goat grazing. Sampling for this study was done on six sites in the San Francisco Bay Area, three ungrazed (treatment) sites, where goats grazed annually for at least four years, and three ungrazed (control) sites. Treatment and control sites were matched by slope, aspect, and microclimate, and were randomly sampled for indicators of environmental impact. Measurements included plant species diversity, species abundance, vegetation height and percent cover. Plant species information included taxonomic identification, whether the species is native to the region or non-native, and vegetation structure. Qualitative observations of soil condition were recorded to evaluate potential erosion effects of goat-grazing. Preliminary results indicate a greater abundance of non-native vegetation on the grazed sites as compared to the controls. Data from this research will be used to formulate recommendations for better managing goat-grazing in urban-wildland interface zones.

KEY WORDS: goat grazing, urban-wildland interface, fire prevention, vegetation management