We've already had several stories this year about forest fires. Many of which destroyed homes and businesses.
To fight future fires, a group in Colorado is using some rather nimble workers to keep flammable grass from getting too high.
Suzanne McCarroll is out on the range.
--REPORTER PKG-AS FOLLOWS--
THE FRISKY GOATS LEAP OUT OF THE TRUCK
AND IMMEDIATELY GET TO WORK.
THEY CRUNCH, THEY MUNCH on AN UNLIMITED SUPPLY OF DRY UNDERBRUSH, LIMBS, AND BRANCHES. THE GOATS DEVOUR THE FLAMMABLE FOLIAGE.
we're gonna be around where the fire tinder is.
EVERY HOUR MORE GOATS ARRIVE .
this herd will be eating about a ton a day
THE GOATS CAN CLIMB STEEP TERRAIN THAT FIRE TRUCKS AND FIREFIGHTERS HAVE TROUBLE REACHING.
THE NEIGHBORS ARE GLAD TO SEE THE HUNGRY ANIMALS ARRIVE.
IF WE KEEP THE BRUSH CLEARED OUT WE'LL PROBABLY NOT HAVE ANY FOREST FIRES
BORDER COLLIES KEEP THE GOATS WORKING IN THE APPROPRIATE AREA.
THE HELPFUL HERD TRAVELS ALL AROUND THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION DOING THIS FIRE MITIGATION.....
THEY WORK SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND THEY'RE THE MOST EFFICIENT EMPLOYEES I'VE EVER BEEN AROUND
Instructional Links
Website Article: Environmental Land Management, Why
http://www.elmgoats.com/why.html
Website Article: Goats 4H