Goats replace herbicide in Lewiston

The Lewiston Goat Project wrapped up in late September after goats took the place of herbicides around the walking trail along Bryden Canyon Road in Lewiston.
The goats arrived along the path early to mid-summer from Petty Family Goats located in Pomeroy, Washington. The goats relocated to their new temporary home until they return in 2025, between June and September.

The Lewiston Goat Project is a program funded by private donations from people who are trying out a harmless weed control system. The goal is to get rid of yellow starthistle, cheatgrass, and other harmful invasive species, according to the Lewiston Goat Project website.

These weeds alter soil properties, increase fire risks, and affect native wildlife and habitats. Although herbicides can reduce the amount of these harmful weeds, they also kill all surrounding vegetation leaving soil bare and increasing the chance of erosion.

The manager of The Lewiston Goat Project is Michelle Schmidt, who started the work as part of her senior project for the Master’s in Natural Resources program with the University of Idaho. Dr. Karen Launchbaugh oversaw the planning, Schmidt said.

“We hired Petty Family Goats to do the work, so they take care of everything,” Schmidt said “Most of the cost goes towards labor because someone has to be onsite 24-7 to take care of the goats. The cost can vary, but it costs around $3,000.”

The goats were enclosed in an 8.5-acre electric fence along the Bryden Canyon Walking Path, where they consumed weeds and converted them into natural fertilizer.

More information about the project is available at The Lewiston Goat Project Website.