This week goats invaded the Issaquah Highlands. Herds were spotted at various places across the land, munching on weeds, grasses and unwanted vegetation on steep slopes.
In their first appearance in the Highlands, two different herds helped out the community by eating away the invasive weeds which previously dotted the hillsides.
“There are a number of areas where we’re trying to manage the vegetation,” said Issaquah Highlands Landscape Manager Russ Ayers. He said while grasses are welcomed the weeds can destabilize slopes, but because of the steep nature of these areas it is difficult for people and tools to get in there. The Highlands is trying to break the cycle of weeds, Ayers explained.
That is where Rent-a-Ruminant, a company owned by Tami Dunakin from Vashon Island, and Healing Hooves from Eastern Washington, come in.
Dunakin’s goats, which travel Western Washington eating away obnoxious weeds, have been working as a company for five years.
After 27 years in the health care field, Dunakin said she wanted to find a career she could run herself.
About 400 goats visited the Highlands this week.
Rent-a-Ruminant brought in about 160 goats to clear several sections of land, and Healing Hooves came with a herd of approximately 240, Ayers said.
Healing Hooves is operated by Craig Madsen and is based out of Edwall, Wash. near Spokane. With years of experience in range and pasture management, Madsen is able to help people identify the area’s needs while on a project.
The use of goats to clear land is something which has become increasing popular around Washington in recent months, and both companies have traveled all over the state to help with projects.
So far this spring and summer Madsen and his goats have been to Colbert, Tekoa, Auburn, Oregon, Redmond, and Duvall.
After the Highlands they are heading to Bellingham, Monroe and Leavenworth.
According to Ayers it didn’t take long for the goats presence to be known.
“It’s changed a lot since yesterday,” he said the day after the goats arrival. “They are nature’s original weed eater.”
Renting goats has become a popular route for many organizations and people looking to clear land of invasive weeds or bushes, especially on terrain that is difficult for humans to work on. It’s an environmentally friendly way to get the work done.
“It’s much easier to manage,” said Ayers. “There’s no herbicides, no vegetation retrieval. We’re optimistic it will be successful.”
In total the goats, who will be in the Highlands for a little over two weeks, should be able to eat away the weeds from 12 acres of land.
“It’s a chance to practice green maintenance,” said Ayers, citing the community’s mission to encourage and use green practices where ever possible. “We try to practice low impact methods wherever we can.”
Locals have been excited to see the goats around, Ayers said. “Most people are thrilled they are here,” he said.
Highlands resident Sara Lee drove by with her three children to see what was going on.
“It looks nice,” she said of the goats handiwork. “The kids love it and it’s good for the environment.”
For more information about Rent-a-Ruminant, visit Rent-a-Ruminant or contact Tammy Dunakin at (206) 251-1051. Healing Hooves can be contacted at Healing Hooves or 509-990-7132.
