Eagan's Goat Grazing Gains Ground

From City of Eagan:

You’ve seen them — goats grazing at parks, City facilities, and private yards around town. They’re not only turning heads, but they’re also getting rid of invasive buckthorn and other harmful plants.

Gregg Hove, Eagan’s Forester, says that Eagan has found goat grazing to be more eco-friendly and neighbor-friendly than machinery. He also notes that goats can get into wooded areas more easily than mowers or other equipment.

“We don’t know yet exactly how effective the goats were last year,” says Hove. “We’ll need to see how much buckthorn grows back this year before we really know how well it worked. Areas looked pretty clear though when the goats finished last fall.”

Our pilot project and interest by residents spurred the City Council to adopt an ordinance allowing residents to use goats to control brush and invasive species on private property too. Interested in bringing in goats? A permit is required through the City Clerk’s office before goats can be brought on site.

The rules also limit the number of days goats are allowed. Find out more by visiting www.cityofeagan.com/goats.

This press release was produced by City of Eagan. The views expressed here are the author’s own.