City of Sparks Moving Goat Grazing to Wildcreek Area

SPARKS, Nev. - The City of Sparks is extending its goat grazing program to areas near Wildcreek Golf Course and Hug High School. The goats have completed work around Shadow Mountain and will be relocated to Wildcreek during the first week of July.

Goat grazing is an effective, environmentally friendly way to reduce wildfire risk. By consuming weeds, brush, and other flammable vegetation, goats help reduce fuel loads that can contribute to the spread and intensity of wildfires. They can also access steep, difficult terrain and efficiently clear vegetation in areas that may be challenging to maintain using traditional methods.

"We are excited to continue our goat grazing program at Wildcreek," said Sparks Fire Division Chief Derek Keller. "Goats are an effective wildfire mitigation tool and a sustainable way to manage weeds and flammable vegetation."

Residents and visitors in grazing areas are asked to:

• Maintain a safe distance from the goats.
• Keep dogs leashed or at home.
• Avoid loud noises.
• Watch for temporary electric fencing.

How Goat Grazing Works:

Vegetation Management: Goats are non-selective eaters and will consume a wide variety of plants, including invasive species and dry brush that contribute to fire hazards. By grazing on these plants, goats help to reduce the biomass that fuels wildfires

"Fuel Ladder" Reduction: Goats can reach higher vegetation, effectively targeting the "fuel ladder"-the vegetation that allows fires to climb from the ground to the tree canopy. This reduces the risk of crown fires, which are particularly dangerous and difficult to control

Soil Health Improvement: As goats graze, they also contribute to soil health by trampling plant matter and depositing manure, which enriches the soil and promotes the growth of desirable plants. This process helps restore ecosystems and improve water retention in the soil

Benefits of Goat Grazing:

Natural Method: Goat grazing provides a natural alternative to chemical treatments for vegetation management, making it an environmentally friendly option for landowners and municipalities

Cost-Effectiveness: While goat grazing programs can be labor-intensive, they often prove to be cost-effective compared to other fire mitigation methods. The per-acre costs are comparable to mechanical or chemical methods of fuel reduction

Skilled Management: Effective goat grazing requires skilled herders who can manage goats' grazing patterns, ensuring they target the right areas and avoid overgrazing, which can lead to soil erosion and the spread of invasive species.