EL MONTE — Mountain View School District is relying on an unusual maintenance crew this summer, bringing approximately 350 goats onto district property to clear dry vegetation and reduce potential wildfire hazards through environmentally sustainable prescribed grazing.
The Mountain View School District project covers approximately 17.77 acres at two district-owned properties, where the goats are consuming grasses, weeds, shrubs and dense underbrush that can contribute to wildfire risk. District officials said the effort provides a natural alternative to traditional landscaping methods while reducing the need for chemical herbicides.
The goats arrived July 22 and are expected to remain on site through about July 30 under the supervision of Fire Grazers Inc., a professional grazing contractor responsible for managing and caring for the herd throughout the project. Existing perimeter fencing and portable electric netting keep the animals within designated grazing areas as they move across the sites.
Mountain View School District Promotes Sustainable Maintenance
Superintendent Raymond Andry said the grazing project demonstrates the district’s commitment to responsible property management while reducing potential fire hazards.
“This is certainly one of the more unique efforts we’ve had working on District property, but there’s an important purpose behind it,” Andry said in a statement. “Prescribed grazing provides an environmentally friendly way to manage vegetation, reduce potential fire hazards, and responsibly maintain District property.”
The project is taking place at the former Alfred S. Madrid Middle School property on Gilman Road and the former Charles T. Kranz Intermediate School property on Fineview Street in El Monte. Both locations contain vegetation that can be difficult to manage using conventional equipment, making goats an effective option for clearing overgrowth while minimizing environmental impacts.
District officials are asking community members to stay outside designated grazing areas and not approach, feed or pet the goats to protect both the animals and the public. Media representatives interested in visiting the sites are asked to coordinate access through the district’s Public Information Office.
Property Maintenance Separate From Future Land Use
The district emphasized that the grazing project is part of its ongoing responsibility to maintain district-owned property and is not connected to any future plans for the sites.
The Madrid and former Kranz properties are currently under review by the district’s Surplus Property 7-11 Committee, which is gathering community input before making recommendations to the Mountain View School District Board of Education regarding potential future uses. District officials said no decisions have been made about either property’s future use or disposition.
Mountain View School District serves preschool through eighth-grade students in El Monte and neighboring communities. Officials said the vegetation management project reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to responsibly maintain public property while supporting student and community safety. More information is available at https://www.mtviewschools.com.
