Got Goats? They Do At Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Published Date

June 6, 2011

A herd of goats from Idaho has been enlisted to help clear away, er, eat, native and non-native vegetation in some areas of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California.

The goats were let loose this past Friday to begin work on restoring the cultural landscape in the NRA's Tower House Historic District and to help reduce hazardous fuels at other areas throughout Whiskeytown, according to a release from the NRA.

The Tower House Historic District, located between Clear, Willow and Mill creeks along Highway 299, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 for its association with early settlement in northern California during the Gold Rush. Beginning in the 1850s, the native vegetation of the site was manipulated for a variety of purposes. Since this time period, an assortment of naturalized native and non-native trees and shrubs have invaded the area.

The goats are expected to reduce the spread of non-native vegetation and rein-in the natives, according to the NRA. Through this munching officials hope to:

* Preserve the historic structures and cultural landscape

* More fully depict the character of the cultural landscape

* Stabilize and preserve the historic vegetation

* Stabilize and preserve the historic views/visual relationships

Once they've eaten their way to success at the Tower House district, the goats wil be moved to Whiskeytown's headquarters complex along John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive, and the National Environmental Education Development Camp on Paige Bar Road. The objective of the grazing in these developed areas is to reduce the buildup of hazardous fuels around structures and to reduce the occurrence of non-native weeds.

During the project, portions of the park and some trails will be temporarily closed to allow for fencing to contain the goat herd, the park release said. Visitors are welcome to view the goats, but are asked not enter the closed areas or approach the goats or stock dogs. These animals are not pets, so visitors are advised to keep their distance for their safety and that of the livestock, NRA officials add.

The goats for this project are provided and managed by Prescriptive Livestock Services of Grangeville, Idaho. Approximately 60 acres will be grazed during this project, which is expected to last four weeks.

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks