We have to emphasize with the USFS, CDF, BLM, NPS, etc the need for fire in our local ecosystems. These systems evolved with fire and need fire to be healthy.
Great point- but with the Ca. landscape polka dotted with structures and roads- at what cost will this happen? As so many land management organizations have discovered in the last 10 years or so, lightening caused fires which are supposed to burn very slow, can in fact get way out of control (Yellowstone). And controlled burns also can have devistating effects (Ariz. and N.M)
If memory serves me correctly, it was a lightening caused fire that burned across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and hit Montana before they could slow it down that caused the current fire policy (cir. 1930's) of if it's on fire put it out NOW. This line of thought is clearly changing and attempts to adapt to the times and needs of the population and environment are trying to be balanced.
I heard a few years ago, they took a bunch of goats off of San Clemente Island and put them in the mountains for just that purpose
When my Dad worked for the CNF during a time when environmental freaks didn't rule the planet, they were using herds of goats to eat excess vegatation. I'm pretty sure my Dad said they had one herd that was eating up to 5 acres a day.
Apparently, this practice is still silently being used in some of the forest/BLM areas of So. Ca. When the big fire that made a run on Big Bear 4 years ago (approx) the fire over ran some herds of goats that were being used to eat away vegetation and bbq'd them on the spot. Last year I saw a report in the SD U.T. that the practice of using goats again was being explored.
I"m sure if I mis quoted any of this, Maverick or some of our other fine fire personnel will set the record straight.
