Goats might be the new rage in landscaping after more than 1,000 of the barnyard critters were used to clear several acres of thick brush and grass at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Willows.

Refuge managers, who typically clear brush via manpower and heavy equipment, say the goats proved more cost efficient and eco-friendly than tractors, and they complained less about back pain than human workers.

The Rio Vista unit of Sacramento River Refuge is bordered by private homes, and local parks must take proactive steps toward wildfire prevention in the area.
The goal for the goats was to eat away a natural firebreak that will require less maintenance over time. Student work crews took care of what the goats missed or couldn’t reach.

Terry and Vera Adams, owners of T&V Livestock, a vegetation management company in Corning, won the government bid for the project and charged $375 an acre. According to Kelly Moroney, the refuge manager, goats eat about an acre a day.

“This isn’t unique; they use [goats] in the Oakland Hills and in other regions, so I can’t take credit for the idea,” Moroney says.

Goats first grazed the refuge in June 2007 when they cleared about 35 acres.
Moroney says neighbors and government officials were pleased with the results, so this year the goats covered nearly 80 acres. Goats are now being considered at other refuges and for additional acreage at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex and throughout the region.

— C.S.

*This story was first published in the August issue of Comstock’s magazine. http://comstocksbusiness.com/