This browser does not support the Video element.
Goats Help Reduce Wildfire Risk in Steiner Ranch
In an innovative partnership, the Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Association (SRROA) and Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR) are working with Rent-A-Ruminant Texas to address wildfire risks using an eco-friendly and effective solution: goats.
STEINER RANCH, Texas - The Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Association (SRROA) and Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR) are working with Rent-A-Ruminant Texas to address wildfire risks using an eco-friendly and effective solution: goats.
Goats are natural grazers that consume various plants, including grasses, shrubs, and invasive species, which are often fuel for wildfires.
This pilot project is part of an effort to create a safer, more fire-resilient community by reducing hazardous fuels that could feed a wildfire.
What we know
The goats will graze around the clock under 24-hour on-site monitoring by trained handlers from Rent-A-Ruminant Texas.
Temporary electrified fencing will keep the goats safe and focused on designated grazing areas.
This method is environmentally friendly, avoids heavy machinery, and provides natural fertilization to the landscape.
Goats can safely consume poison ivy, which can cause severe allergic reactions in humans. By grazing these plants down to the roots, goats significantly reduce their presence, making the area safer for human wildfire mitigation teams to work in.
Timeline
From January 4-10, 2025 (weather permitting), a herd of hardworking goats will graze on overgrown vegetation in the green belt area along the Chaparral Hiking Trail in Steiner Ranch.
What they're saying
"This partnership is a testament to the commitment of Steiner Ranch and Lake Travis Fire Rescue to prioritize community safety through innovative and sustainable approaches," said Lake Travis Fire Rescue Fire Chief Robert B. Abbott. "Utilizing goats for vegetation management and fuels mitigation is not only cost-effective but also an environmentally friendly strategy. By clearing excess vegetation in high-risk areas, we are taking proactive steps to significantly reduce the wildfire threat and protect both lives and property."
"Protecting our community from wildfire risk is a top priority, and this project is a vital piece of a larger strategy. Our community has already put in tremendous effort, and now the goats are stepping in to tackle areas where the rugged terrain makes it challenging for people. Once the goats have cleared the vegetation, we’ll collaborate with Lake Travis Fire Rescue's Fuels Mitigation team to complete the work and further enhance our wildfire resilience," said SRROA President Debbie Tanner-Jacobs.
Dig Deeper
This project is part of Steiner Ranch’s ongoing Firewise initiatives to create defensible space and reduce wildfire hazards. Residents are encouraged to visit SteinerFirewise/GoatPatrol for updates and additional resources on wildfire mitigation.