Goats helping reduce wildfire risk in Clear Creek

Goats from High Desert Graziers in Smith Valley are munching on the underbrush in the Clear Creek watershed, reducing the risk of wildfire in that rugged terrain.

The goats were brought in through a partnership between NV Energy and the Nevada Division of Forestry to remove flammable vegetation. A spokesman said using grazing animals such as goats and sheep not only reduces the risk of fire but is much more sustainable than using heavy equipment to manage vegetation. The goats graze on native grasses and shrubs including sagebrush, bitterbrush — a favorite of the goats — and manzanita. They also eat non-native plants and weeds such as cheatgrass.

Forester Anna Higgins said this breed of goat was bred to consume all types of vegetation.

“Targeted grazing is an ecologically beneficial treatment on the landscape to reduce the impacts of wildfires and prevent the loss of homes and other critical infrastructure,” she said.

Mark Regan of NV Energy said the goats will clear vegetation from beneath power lines in rugged terrain that would otherwise be challenging for fire crews.

The project was made possible by funding included in Senate Bill 508 of the 2019 session.