Parks and Recreation Department utilizing goats to control weeds at Boulder Reservoir
Goats have been utilized effectively as a control for many weeds, as they eat even prickly weeds. The state of Colorado’s noxious weed act requires monitoring and control of certain plant species, and the Parks and Recreation Department complies with this state mandate by applying the four IPM techniques for weed management – mechanical, biological, cultural and chemical. The use of biological controls, such as goat grazing, is important as the department seeks to reduce the amount of herbicides used.
When done at the proper times, grazing prevents the current year’s plants from going to seed and depletes the root system’s reserves. Grazing also recycles organic material back into the soil and cultivates the ground allowing for better water infiltration, aeration and sunlight exposure.
For more information, call Shelly Ruspakka, Parks and Recreation, at 303-413-7214.
One Response to “Parks and Recreation Department utilizing goats to control weeds at Boulder Reservoir”
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i’m so glad they’re utilizing goats for good, and not evil. they have such evil eyes. it’s a good thing they eat weeds, not small children.