Goats returning for additional weed control at Police Point Park

Medicine Hat – In continuation of the target browsing pilot project, approximately 200 goats will return to Police Point Park on Monday, August 22, to control leafy spurge, an invasive weed species common in the park, as well as parts of southern Alberta.

The goats were first brought to the park in 2020, returned in 2021 and earlier this year for the pilot project.

“The goats are targeting specific areas where leafy spurge has recovered after the first browsing in June. This approach of successive browsing depletes the weed of resources, reduces its ability to set seed, and indirectly helps native plant species re-establish,” said Jeff Quinlan, Parks Technician with the City of Medicine Hat. “The goats will also be brought into new areas of the park not previously browsed, to eliminate as many flowers as possible, helping to prevent those plants from setting seed.”

Staff have attempted to rid of the weed by using a variety of techniques, including chemical control, but have been monitoring the success of the target browsing project. Early finding suggest positive results with the pilot program.

The goats will be at Police Point Park until Thursday, August 25. All trails throughout the park will remain open for public use during this time.

Signs will be placed in areas where the goats are grazing. Park visitors are asked to please not disturb the goats or the working dogs on site.

The City of Medicine Hat would like to remind everyone that Police Point Park remains an on-leash area. We thank all park visitors for their support during this pilot project.

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