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(22) Goats, an Environmentally-Sensitive Weed Management Tool After Wildfire
JoAnne Skelly, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Carson City, NV
Ann Bollinger, Carson City Open Space, Carson City, NV
Concurrent Session: A5: Extension Program Examples
The 2004 Waterfall Fire devastated 8,800 acres, which supplied 40% of Carson City’s drinking water. After the fire, a virulent infestation of Russian knapweed (RKW) developed within two weeks of the fire in a 20-acre wellhead protection area. To manage this infestation in an environmentally-sensitive manner and to take advantage of a teachable moment, Carson City Open Space partnered with University of Nevada Cooperative Extension planning and implementing a biological strategy using goats. While goat grazing is widely used throughout the West for weed management, there is little applied research for their use on RKW. We viewed this project as an opportunity to add up-to-date information to the body of knowledge about RKW management.
In July 2006, 109 adult goats and 75 kids grazed for 27 days on 10 acres with 95% RKW cover. The plants were grazed at approximately 70% utilization rate, where leaves were approximately 80-85% consumed and stems were partially grazed. Although RKW did regenerate, new stems were budding at 6-8” in height compared to 24” prior to grazing. In addition, there was new growth of desirable species including grasses, yarrow, wild rose, forage kochia, and asters.
In June, 2007, 120 does and kids were brought in to graze eight acres still showing RKW, although at a reduced density of 50% or less. Timing of this prescription was too early and RKW regenerated to 12-14” in height within three weeks, even during a drought cycle. However, desirable grasses and forbs continue to thrive and compete.
Reduction of the RKW infestation was successful. Desirable vegetation thrives. Prescription grazing with goats allowed for reduced chemical use in a sensitive wellhead protection area. Another success was that our project inspired the USFS to initiate prescription grazing with goats on Forest Service lands.
JoAnne Skelly
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
2621 Northgate Suite 15
Carson City, NV, 89706, USA
Phone: 775-887-2252
Fax: 775-887-2065
skellyj@unce.unr.edu