Goats Ge-eh-tting The Job Done In Sonoma County

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Some 400 goats were brought to northern Sonoma County in late July for a fire prevention mission, and have been munching their way through dry vegetation along U.S. Highway 101 between Healdsburg and Geyserville.

We reached out to Caltrans for an update, and were told that the goats are making great progress.

After completing their task of devouring more than 20 acres of grass along northbound U.S. 101 between Geyserville Avenue and Canyon Road, the goats were moved to the southbound side of the highway to graze another 20 acres from Lytton south to Chiquita.

The herbivore herd should remain on the job, munching away for at least another week and a half, Caltrans District 4 Spokesman Vince Jacala said Friday.

Temporary fencing was installed to secure the large herd; a goat herder and guard dog have been onsite, protecting and controlling the goats.

Caltrans has used goats at other locations but never on this scale, and there are no other goat projects planned in the near future.

"Caltrans Bay Area utilizes an integrated vegetation management plan," said Caltrans Bay Area Director Tony Tavares, "which includes diverse methods of controlling roadside weeds, grass, and shrubs. Grazing goats can't be used in every situation, but when appropriate, it's an excellent method of controlling brush without using herbicides."

• READ MORE: 400 Goats In Sonoma County For US Hwy 101 Fire Prevention Mission