Using goats to control brush regrowth on fuelbreaks

Abstract

On fuelbreaks, herbicides have been the primary tool for controlling brush regrowth. Vegetation of low volume and low growth is maintained on these wide strips as an aid to firefighting safety. Goats are a promising alternative to herbicides, and may be the best tool available for controlling brush regrowth on fuelbreaks. They eat a wider variety of plants, and more woody plants, than other livestock. They are less selective on first-year brush regrowth, and more selective as brush is older. Goats should not be expected to control tall, mature brush. A good strategy is sufficient goats to eat all leaves from all brush species two or three times per year. Spanish goats are probably a better choice than Angoras for rough moutainous areas. Wethers have some advantages over a breeding herd, but may require more subsidy. Problems to solve when goats are acquired include road access during wet weather, fencing, herding, water and supplemental feeding, protection from predators, disease, and poison plants.

Citation

Green, Lisle R.; Newell, Leonard A. 1982. Using goats to control brush regrowth on fuelbreaks. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-59. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 13 p.