Project Runs May 14 – 29 at Three Spokane Parks
Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297. Parks & Recreation: 311 or 509.755.2489
Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 3:35 p.m.
SPOKANE – Starting Friday, May 14, about 200 goats will be on the job to help reduce fire risk at three of Spokane’s natural park lands. The program is intended to lessen fire risk in natural areas by reducing brush and tree sapling density.
“This is an economically and ecologically friendly way to manage brush density in some of our natural areas,” said Parks & Recreation director, Garrett Jones. “We are grateful to our partners for this collaboration, and are planning another round of grazing this fall.”
The goats
About 200 goats are provided by Healing Hooves from Cloverdale Ranch, Inc. They are contained to the desired areas through a portable electric fence, and are accompanied by a trained guard dog to protect them from predators. Owners Craig and Sue Lani will be with the goats to make sure they stay within the fence, have water, and are moved as they finish treating each area.
If you go
The public is welcome to come out to see the herd and ask questions about the project or the goats. If you go, please be cautious of the electric fence, do not feed the goats, and be aware that the Healing Hooves guard dog will growl or bark at any dogs who come close. The guard dog will be most active at night, so those living close to a park being treated may hear her barking on occasion. She is doing her job of letting predators know to leave the goats alone.
Friends of the Bluff & Avista
Friends of the Bluff, a group of community volunteers who help steward the South Hill Bluff, partnered with Avista to fund the grazing along the bluff and Hangman Park. Avista generously donated $2,500 to fund half of the project, and the Friends of the Bluff are holding an Adopt-a-Goat fundraiser to match Avista’s contribution. More information is at https://www.friendsofthebluff.org/goat-grazing.
About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation
City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, conservation lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd # 5, Spokane, WA 99201
