Goats have resumed grazing in the Middle Bidwell Park, horse arena area, from Manzanita Ave. to the Sycamore Diversion Channel between Lindo Channel and Upper Park Rd. After the Middle Park area is completed, the goats will be moved to the Lindo Channel between Manzanita Ave. to Highway 99 and then to areas of Lower Park.
Capra Environmental Services Corp.is providing 200-500 goats, which potentially can graze approximately one acre per day. Grazing areas will be cordoned off with an electric fence and warning signs will be posted throughout for public safety. A herdsman and guard dogs will also be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Where possible, paths and trails will remain open to the public while the grazing occurs, but some trails and areas may need to be closed. Park users are requested to please do not enter closed areas, to stay clear of and keep children and pets away from the electric fencing, and to not feed or disturb the goats and guard dogs.
Goat grazing has proven to be a very effective vegetation management tool. Goats eat star thistle, poison oak, and many other invasive plants. They help to reduce fire fuel loads and elevate vegetation, which helps reduce ladder fire fuels. For more information, please contact the Park Division office at 530-896-7800 or email parkinfo@chicoca.gov.