Updates

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

8.13.2026 Before & After Sliders

Drag the white slider to see the before and after images.

Check out the three 'before & after' sliders to see the extent of the hazardous fuel reduction along 2nd Avenue in Pescadero Canyon. Don't miss the gallery of pics below either. Quite a difference!

As we move into 2027 with a new City Council and Mayor, priorities for hazardous fuel reduction may change. Now that the heavy fuel load has been removed, perhaps it's time to bring in the lower-cost grazing goats a couple of times each year.

7.31.2026 Carmel-by-the-Sea City Vlog Announces Work

7.27.2026 Hazardous Fuel Reduction Commences!

Community Tree Service is out in full force with safety and hand crews. They've also brought in the big guns with some heavy-duty equipment on Monday, July 27th, to remove the extremely overgrown ivy.

Their initial focus is along 2nd Avenue opposite the canyon, adjacent to the existing houses behind old and new fences, some in varying states of disrepair.

7.8.2026 Planning Commission Passes CDP 26236

Great news! On Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, at the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Hall, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to allow vegetation management along 2nd Avenue adjacent to Pescadero Canyon.

Carmel Fire Goats supports this vote.

The next step is for Carmel-by-the-Sea to hire a suitable hand crew to reduce the hazardous fuel load up to 100 ft from all the structures along 2nd Avenue.

As there may be a sensitive ecosystem hidden amongst the overgrown weeds and grasses, including young saplings and nesting animals, goats should be precluded from the initial cleanup.

On Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, at the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Hall, the Planning Commission will vote on whether to allow vegetation management along 2nd Avenue adjacent to Pescadero Canyon.

ChatGPT summary

Carmel Fire Goats supports this endeavor.

7.5.2026 Dont Miss The Planning Commission Meeting

Click image to download PDF

7.2.2026 Planning Commission Staff Report & Resolution

Two items just popped up on the Carmel-by-the-Sea City website. It looks like good news but as a goat I'm more accustomed to munching on paperwork. Any thoughts out there? Please let me know what you think.

ChatGPT reviewed the two documents. Here's its summary.

Map of Cleared Parcel

City Friday Letter
Friday, June 19th, 2026

Click to enlarge article

Carmel Pine Cone
Friday, June 6th, 2026

6.29.2026 Teeny-Weeny CEQA Ad, City Friday Letter, Pine Cone Article & City Vlog

Carmel Pine Cone
Friday, June 26th, 2026

Photos of Cleared Lot #235
The steepest lot was weed-whacked. Hooray!

Carmel by the Sea Vlog
Friday, June 16th, 2026

6.29.2026 Teeny-Weeny CEQA Ad, City Friday Letter,
Pine Cone Article & City Vlog

It's Been A Busy Three Weeks!

First of all, don't miss the teeny-weeny ad that's referenced in the accompanying video.

Then there's the recent Carmel Pine Cone article where Sophie went to City Hall.

Don't forget the Friday Letter as well as the City Vlog.

And check out which lot was just cleared of all the overgrown weeds and grasses. Amazing!

Click to enlarge article

Paul Falworth of Carmel Fire Goats presents to the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council at City Hall, Tuesday, June 2, 2026

6.2.2026 Carmel Fire Goats Brings a Goat to City Hall

Prior to the City Hall meeting, Sophie the Goat, led the petition signing outside on the steps.

City Staff responds to Paul Falworth of Carmel Fire Goats

City Staff pointed out a number of issues with the hazardous fuel mitigation of the City lots under their sole jurisdiction along 2nd Avenue of Pescadero Canyon.

  • the area is an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat

  • waterway is a Blue Line Stream which holds special biological significance via the Coastal Commission

  • a Sequel Analysis is required (or Subsequent/Supplemental EIR) which evaluates new environmental impacts that arise when a project changes or surrounding circumstances shift after an initial EIR has already been certified.

  • an EIR (Environmental Impact Report) is a detailed document required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that analyzes the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, along with possible mitigation measures and alternatives.

  • a survey of the property line is required

Two quotes for grazing have been received. The City has also committed to regular updates via the Friday Letter (sign up here on the City's website)

City Staff responds to Paul Falworth of Carmel Fire Goats

City Staff pointed out a number of issues with the hazardous fuel mitigation of the City lots under their sole jurisdiction along 2nd Avenue of Pescadero Canyon.

  • the area is an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat

  • waterway is a Blue Line Stream which holds special biological significance via the Coastal Commission

  • a Sequel Analysis is required (or Subsequent/Supplemental EIR) which evaluates new environmental impacts that arise when a project changes or surrounding circumstances shift after an initial EIR has already been certified.

  • an EIR (Environmental Impact Report) is a detailed document required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that analyzes the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, along with possible mitigation measures and alternatives.

  • a survey of the property line is required

Two quotes for grazing have been received. The City has also committed to regular updates via the Friday Letter (sign up here on the City's website)

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