Hazard fuels reduction underway at Red Bluff Recreation Area; goats being used for sustainable hazard fuels removal

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Goats are being used to remove hazard fields at the Red Bluff Recreation Area in Red Bluff, California. Photo courtesy of the Mendocino National Forest.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The Mendocino National Forest began a vegetation management project at the Red Bluff Recreation Area, or RBRA, on Monday.

Blue Tent Farms delivered approximately 1,200 Kiko-Savanna-cross goats to reduce vegetation in areas in the undeveloped portions of the RBRA.

The objective of the project is to reduce fire fuels in a sustainable manner.

The vegetation management project will reduce the risk of a large wildfire and help improve public safety and visitor experience at the RBRA. There will be 600 does and 600 kids at the RBRA through the spring.

The project will not affect the campgrounds, picnic areas, the boat ramp or the Sacramento River Discovery Center. At no time will the goats have access to the Sacramento River, East Sand Slough or other wetlands.

The goats will be moved around within the fenced areas with a temporary movable fence. The temporary electric fencing will keep the goats in and the people out as well as help protect water quality for fish and elderberry tree habitat.

There will be shepherds and guard dogs on location.

Please take photos and watch the goats from a distance; do not approach the goats or dogs.

Twelve hundred Kiko-Savanna-cross are reducing vegetation in the undeveloped portions of the Red Bluff Recreation Area in Red Bluff, California. Photo courtesy of the Mendocino National Forest.