
The draught is finally starting to get people's attention. Last week, the folks who cleared much of our property last winter — Brush Goats 4 Hire — gave a presentation at our homeowners association's annual meeting to offer their services to reduce our exposure to fire hazards. This was followed on the heels of our water master confirming that the water table in the Santa Ynez Valley is down about 25 feet. Yesterday, Governor Brown declared a drought state of emergency, followed by one of our local valley communities calling for voluntary water reduction. Global warming?
With California is now facing the driest year in recorded state history, what's a gal to do? Bring back the goats! Earlier this week about 50 brush goats moved back on to the front "bowl" of our property to eat down the dried grasses and munch back the lower story of oak and scrubbier trees. The first night Simba and Peetie, a neighbor's Great Dane, and the two Anatolian guard dogs kept us all awake until about 2 AM barking at the full moon, coyotes and each other. Thankfully, the last few nights have been quiet!
With California is now facing the driest year in recorded state history, what's a gal to do? Bring back the goats! Earlier this week about 50 brush goats moved back on to the front "bowl" of our property to eat down the dried grasses and munch back the lower story of oak and scrubbier trees. The first night Simba and Peetie, a neighbor's Great Dane, and the two Anatolian guard dogs kept us all awake until about 2 AM barking at the full moon, coyotes and each other. Thankfully, the last few nights have been quiet!