Public Works hires goats for weed control

August 31, 2023 4:11 pm

Updated: September 6, 2023 10:26 am


For the first time, Douglas County Public Works recently used goats to control weeds and woody vegetation on a steep slope at Wells Overlook Park where native grass had been planted and was struggling to get sunlight.

Since the slope is too steep for mowing and unsafe for hand cutting by employees, Public Works hired a company called “Goats On The Go” for the 0.9-acre site. The goat wrangler installed a temporary fence, dropped off approximately 50 goats, provided a water trough and checked on the goats daily. It took them 10 days to complete their task.

Keith Browning, local road engineer for the Kansas Association of Counties, described it as an “outside-the-box approach to vegetation control,” in his recent newsletter column.

Public Works staff are impressed with the outcome and plan to hire goats again next summer.


Contact: Karrey Britt, Communications and Media Coordinator, Media Contact Form

In the News

The Board of County Commissioners will begin public hearings on the proposed 2026 budget at 9 a.… Read More

Starting July 14, North 900 Road will be closed between East 1050 Road and East 1100 Road for a… Read More

With Independence Day on the horizon, Douglas County is reminding residents of the rules for… Read More

Starting July 15, Route 460 will be closed two miles east of U.S. 59 Highway. Public Works crews… Read More

Douglas County Emergency Management encourages residents to stay weather aware and supplement… Read More

At 9 years old, Tim Shoulderblade took his first sip of beer. At 13, he started to use meth… Read More

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer its first Junior Deputy Academy July 7-11… Read More

About 50 community members gathered on May 28 to celebrate Cardinal Housing Network, a new… Read More