FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2026

Carmel Fire Goats Calls for Immediate Launch of “Phase Alpha” Fuel Reduction in Pescadero Canyon

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA — Carmel Fire Goats is urging Carmel-by-the-Sea to immediately begin “Phase Alpha” hazardous fuel reduction within six City parcels in Pescadero Canyon, which fall under the sole jurisdiction of Carmel-by-the-Sea,  before the 2026 wildfire season intensifies.

The volunteer-led community initiative highlights that the City already controls the land, has already budgeted $150,000 for hazardous fuel reduction, and already has access to environmentally effective vegetation management tools, including targeted goat grazing and hand crews, as detailed by the Wildfire Preparedness Committee.

According to Carmel Fire Goats, the six City parcels along the east rim of Pescadero Canyon contain an estimated 80% of the canyon’s hazardous fuel load, including decades of accumulated grasses, weeds, ivy, brush, and ladder fuels.

While broader regional coordination efforts continue among neighboring agencies and landowners, including Pebble Beach Community Services District, Del Monte Forest Conservancy, CAL AM, and CAL FIRE, Carmel Fire Goats says the City should not delay immediate action within its own sole jurisdiction while waiting for lengthy multi-agency processes to conclude, possibly in 2027 or later.

“We need to act now — not after a devastating wildfire,” said Paul Falworth, volunteer organizer for Carmel Fire Goats. “This is Carmel-by-the-Sea land, within Carmel-by-the-Sea’s sole jurisdiction. No one else’s. The City already has the money budgeted. We have the goats. We have the ability to significantly reduce the fuel load immediately. Waiting another fire season while vegetation continues to grow higher and drier simply makes no sense.”

The organization points to recent catastrophic fires in Pacific Palisades, Paradise, and the Oakland Hills as examples of what can happen when hazardous fuel loads accumulate unchecked near residential communities.

Phase Alpha focuses exclusively on immediate mitigation within the six City parcels of Pescadero Canyon. A future Phase Bravo expands cooperation and continuity in fuel reduction across neighboring jurisdictions throughout the canyon system, as detailed by the Wildfire Preparedness Committee.

Carmel Fire Goats emphasizes that targeted goat grazing offers a practical and environmentally compatible approach for steep terrain and difficult-to-access canyon areas where mechanical equipment can be limited.

The organization’s website, CarmelFireGoats.org, includes photos, wildfire maps, videos, Google Earth imagery, project zone maps, insurance risk information, and proposed action plans related to hazardous fuel reduction efforts in Carmel-by-the-Sea's sole jurisdictional area of Pescadero Canyon.

Community supporters are encouraging Carmel-by-the-Sea residents to stay informed, contact City leadership, and support immediate wildfire mitigation action before another dangerous fire season arrives.

Hazardous Fuel Reduction in Pescadero Canyon, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Press Releases & News Articles

Phase Alpha covers the purple/pink-hatched area east of the black dotted line for lot 205, CBTS Parcels, lot 235, and CBTS Parcel. Full Fire Defense Plan.

Complete Carmel-by-the-Sea Fire Defense Plan
Appendix B: Pescadero Canyon

Goats grazing on upper Pescadero Canyon supplied by the Del Monte Conservancy of Pebble Beach

About Carmel Fire Goats

Carmel Fire Goats is a volunteer wildfire awareness and hazardous fuel reduction advocacy organization based in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, dedicated to accelerating the immediate clearance of dangerous vegetation within the City-controlled area of Pescadero Canyon through targeted goat grazing, fuel mitigation education, community outreach, and public engagement.

Carmel Fire Goats supports the rapid launch of “Phase Alpha” fuel reduction efforts within the six Carmel-by-the-Sea-controlled canyon parcels before the next wildfire season intensifies.

Media Contact: carmelowls.org/contact

Website: carmelfiregoats.org