The City of Reno is collaborating with Reno Fire to bring a natural fire mitigation program to the residents of Evans Creek.
About 250 goats from High Desert Graziers from Smith Valley started grazing approximately 27 acres of City-owned open space property on July 18th.
The Spanish goats will graze in the area for about 45 days and are between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.Â
"They're really thorough without being destructive, is kind of the key thing, they're environmentally friendly, like I said low maintenance, and they do a great job on that fuel mitigation piece," says Reno Fire Chief David Cochran.Â
Residents living along Evans Creek area and people recreating near the grazing goats are asked to:Â
* Keep dogs leashed or at home during the grazing to avoid potential conflictsÂ
* Maintain a safe distance from the goats; the goats are accompanied by guardian herding dogsÂ
* Not make loud noisesÂ
* Be aware a temporary solar-powered electric fence is up in the grazing areaÂ
The goats working through the area are just the first step of a plan to ensure public safety and further reduce fuels during fire season.
(City of Reno contributed to this report.)
