The goats grazed on noxious weeds at Fernie’s Railyard Dog Park from July 23 until July 28. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press

The goats grazed on noxious weeds at Fernie’s Railyard Dog Park from July 23 until July 28. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press

Goats target graze weeds in Fernie’s Railyard Dog Park

The goats were used by the City of Fernie as a natural alternative to herbicide

  • Jul. 28, 2020 12:00 a.m.

As part of the City of Fernie’s invasive plant strategy, target goat grazing was implemented in the Railyard Dog Park from July 23 until July 28.

Used to control noxious weeds, the goats stripped plant leaves and flowers, reducing the weed’s ability to photosynthesize and stressing them to the point of dying. As part of an integrated approach, the goats will be used in conjunction with mowing, herbicides, and hand pulling.

For more information on what local land owners can do to control the spread of invasive plants, visit Ekisc.com. To learn about the city’s Invasive Plant Management Plan, head to Fernie.ca.


reporter@thefreepress.ca Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Fernie Free Press