Back for Seconds: Grazing Goats Return for 2026

A familiar sound is returning to the Eagle Mountain City’s open spaces: the bleating of a hardworking herd of goats.

Now entering its second year, the Eagle Mountain City Goat Grazing Experimental Project was designed to address the city’s struggle with managing undevelopable sites, detention ponds, and trail corridors. The open spaces within the City of Eagle Mountain were thoughtfully selected by the late Todd Black, alongside Larry Diamond.

Some of the benefits of goat grazing include:

1. Natural Weed Control: Goats naturally eat many types of weeds—even tough, hard-to-control plants making them an effective alternative to traditional weed removal.
2. Improves Soil Health: As goats graze, they help break up the soil and spread natural fertilizer (manure), which supports healthier plant growth.
3. Cost-Effective: Using goats can be more affordable over time compared to paying for mowing or chemical treatments.
4. Less Chemical Use: Grazing goats reduces the need for herbicides, making it a more environmentally friendly option
5. Targeted Grazing: Goats can be directed to specific areas, helping control problem plants and invasive species where they’re needed most.

After observing the herd’s impact over the first year, the city is optimistic about the long-term ecological benefits. Beyond simple weed control, the “goat force” is a frontline defense against wildfire risks. By consuming dry, invasive “flash fuels,” the goats help create natural firebreaks in native open spaces.

One of the most unique aspects of the 2026 season is the continued collaboration with local residents. By partnering with residents who own goats, the city is fostering a sense of community stewardship, turning a municipal maintenance task into a shared neighborhood effort.

To ensure the “employees” stay happy and healthy, the city provides water and portable shade structures at each grazing site.

As the goats rotate through their subunits from March through late September, the city asks residents to remember a few “rules of the range”:

1. Admire from Afar: While the goats are a popular sight, residents are strictly prohibited from feeding or petting them. They are on a managed diet to maximize their effectiveness.
2. Respect the Fence: The areas are protected by four-foot-tall electric mesh fencing. This is vital for keeping the goats in and predators (or curious pets) out.
3. A Legal Note: The city reminds the public that wanton destruction of livestock is a crime under Utah Statute § 76-6-111.
   

For questions or concerns about the goats please contact:

Owner: 801-875-3659
City 24-Hour Hotline: 801-789-5959 (Press 4)