Goats to help manage Eagle Mountain’s native open space

Eagle Mountain City is introducing an innovative and eco-friendly solution to managing its some of its native open space.

Starting in mid-March, the City will use goats to help control plant growth, reduce the risk of fires, and promote healthier ecosystems. The initiative, spearheaded by the City’s wildlife biologist Todd Black, highlights Eagle Mountain’s commitment to sustainable land management while engaging local residents in the process.

“Using livestock to manipulate vegetation is not a new thing.  Using goats to control weeds, reduce undesirable species and have a positive effect on our open spaces will be a new thing and we are optimistically hopeful we’ll see positive results over time,” says Black.

The use of goats for grazing is a practice gaining popularity in many communities, thanks to its natural and cost-effective benefits. Unlike mechanical mowing or chemical treatments, goats offer a low-impact way to maintain the landscape.

They consume various types of vegetation, including invasive weeds, without disturbing the soil. In addition, their droppings help fertilize the land, creating a cycle of natural rejuvenation.

Eagle Mountain City’s program will involve partnering with local residents who own goats, providing them with an opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of the City’s open space.

To ensure the goats’ well-being during the grazing season, the City will supply water and shade at various locations. The program will rotate the goats across different open spaces from mid-March through late September or October, allowing them to graze efficiently while preventing overgrazing in any single area.

“We are going to apply for a grant from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s invasive weed program.  If we get this grant we will hire an agg or range management student and have them collect some pre and post treatment data to monitor the effects and weigh the effectiveness of this program.  Other partners like Utah State University have expressed interest in looking at goat health and body condition through the grazing season,” says Black.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for the goats throughout the grazing season and to appreciate the vital role they play in maintaining the City’s open spaces.  Please do not feed the goats, try and pet the goats and note the area will be fenced off with electric mesh fencing.

This program reflects Eagle Mountain’s broader goal of balancing growth and development with the preservation of its unique natural assets.