Goats to continue weed control in Police Point Park

Medicine Hat – Approximately 200 goats will return to Police Point Park on Tuesday, June 28, to help Parks & Recreation staff continue to control leafy spurge, an invasive weed species common in southern Alberta.

The goats were first brought to the park in 2020 and returned in 2021 as part of the pilot project.

“The goats assist with this method of weed control, known as target browsing, by eating the weeds, destroying the seeds and preventing the further spread of the leafy spurge,” said Jeff Quinlan, Parks Technician with the City of Medicine Hat. “So far the goats have been very effective in preventing this noxious weed species from spreading. We’re bringing them back for a third year in order to continue to evaluate the ongoing effectiveness in prevention.”

In previous years staff attempted to rid of the weed by using a variety of techniques, but have already seen success with the target browsing project.

“Because the goats are able to eat and digest the weeds and seeds, they’re helping to prevent and ultimately stop the weed from spreading,” Quinlan added. “At the same time, they’re also improving soil conditions and allowing the native grasses and vegetation to thrive.”

The goats will be at Police Point Park until Friday, July 8. 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 residents that Police Point Park remains an on-leash area. We thank all visitors to the park for their support during this pilot project.

- 30 -

For media inquiries, please contact:

media@medicinehat.ca