How goats are reducing wildfire risk in Travis County
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A herd of goats is working its way through the Steiner Ranch area to reduce wildfire risks.
Lake Travis Fire Rescue is using goats to eat overgrown vegetation in the Steiner Ranch area. In turn, the grazing will reduce the plants that can fuel wildfires.
The herd started their work Saturday and will continue through Friday in the green belt along the Chaparral Hiking Trail. The goats are trained and handled by Rent-A-Ruminant Texas.
The pilot program is in partnership with the Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Association. Goats will work 24 hours a day within temporary electrified fencing.
The department said goats help manage vegetation in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.
The Trail Conservancy started using goats in 2023 around Lady Bird Lake to eat harmful plants along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.