Goats will graze Police Point later this month

By medicinehatnews on June 22, 2020.

A herd of goats will graze Police Point Park later this month in an effort to control invasive weeds at the city’s natural reserve, it was announced Monday.

Starting Friday, about 150 of the animals will be deployed in an effort to “browse” out leafy spurge, a noxious weed that is common in southern Alberta, the parks department stated.

“Several cities in Alberta have had successful weed control using the target browsing technique,” Keziah Lesko-Gosslin, a parks technician stated in a release. “This is a preventative measure which will help stop the weed from spreading further, while also improving soil conditions and allowing native vegetation to thrive.”

Parks staff have attempted to tackle the problem in the past, including with the use of pesticide, but the goats are better able to root out the plant the rough terrain and underbrush.

Spraying for the weeds is also restricted in areas near the South Saskatchewan River.

“Leafy spurge spreads through its seeds and extensive underground stems, and can also be spread through waterways via seed dispersal,” said Lesko-Gosselin. “Goats can be trained to eat a particular plant species, and in this case, they are able to eat above ground parts of the weed while their digestive tracks destroy the seeds.”

The parks department says all trails in the park will remain open for the two-week period, but is asking the public to avoid disturbing the animals and to remain on paths. Residents are also reminded that Police Point is an on-leash dog area.

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