BROWSING GOATS ON THE RIO GRANDE TRAIL CORRIDOR Starting August 12th

The goats are returning! For the eighth year in a row, RFTA contracted Goat Green, LLC to graze 450 goats through the lower 20 miles of the railroad corridor. RFTA is trying to shift the paradigm away from spraying toxic and harmful herbicides and instead utilize goats to graze and build soil health. Thank you for everyone’s goat love and support!

The goats are coming back as a part of RFTA’s Integrated Weed Management Plan for the Rio Grande Trail corridor!  RFTA hopes to have the goats arrive in the Roaring Fork Valley on or around August 12th. We plan to start working the goats near the Emma area and will work toward Rock Bottom Ranch from there.

Please remember to keep dogs on a leash at all times, while on the Rio Grande Trail.

Rio Grande trail users, here is “Goats 101” for when you stop and say hi to them on the trail:

• Respect the herders and listen to what they say; they are here to keep the animals safe and need your cooperation
• Do not touch the electric fencing as you will get shocked
• Please do not try to pet the goats, the goats are working animals and not pets
• Keep dogs on leash at all times while on the trail
• Please remember good trail etiquette and slowdown in the work zone

If you would like to stop and watch the goats, please stand off the trail/shoulder to allow other users to pass safely. We apologize for any inconvenience during the project, but please be patient as the herder’s work.

RFTA has contracted with Goat Green, LLC to graze 450 goats through the lower 20 miles of the railroad corridor.  Lani Malmberg with Goat Green has been professionally grazing goats for 20 years.  Goat Green will manage the goats using electric fencing and Border collies.  RFTA is trying to shift the paradigm away from spraying toxic and harmful herbicides and instead utilize goats to graze and build soil health.  The Rio Grande Trail will remain open during the project, but delays and detours can be expected.  It is imperative that all trail users keep their dogs on a leash while on the Rio Grande Trail, so as not to interfere with the goats and the herding operations.