A two-month goat-grazing project will help reduce the risk of fire in the 110-acre Oregon Trail Reserve in Southeast Boise. Trails will be closed periodically in June and July as the goats move through the area.
Oregon Trail Reserve, is a city-owned reserve surrounded by the Surprise Valley and Columbia Village neighborhoods. In addition to providing open space and trails, the reserve is a historically significant part of the Oregon Trail.
The goat-grazing effort is part of an ongoing effort to help thin fuels in the wake of the fatal Oregon Trail Fire of 2008. The goat grazing project will also create an opportunity for native grass restoration.
Electric fencing will be used to keep the goats contained and to minimize impacts to existing trails. While the goats are grazing in the reserve, selected trails will be closed for a few days at a time.
Trail closures will be marked with signs. Updates will be posted on the Oregon Trail Reserve website at http://bit.ly/1dunSqf and the Boise Parks & Recreation Facebook page.
This goat-grazing project is a collaboration between the Boise Fire Department and Boise Parks & Recreation. Funding is provided by Southwest Idaho Resource Conservation and Development Council.
