San Juan National Forest’s Columbine Ranger District and Edgemont Highlands Community Association have coordinated for a temporary detour of Pioneer Trail for a goat-led wildfire mitigation project Wednesday through June 6.
The project area is 13 acres, encompassing the Pioneer Trail. About 100 adult goats and their kids will reduce overgrown Gambel oak and western snowberry brush.
The goats provide natural fuels mitigation by removing the brush and leaving the larger, older oak stems. The goat mitigation efforts will continue for three successive field seasons to create defensible space for Edgemont Highlands homes.
Pioneer Trail detour signs will be posted directing visitors to the appropriate detour. The goat herd will have a full-time herder, two livestock guardian dogs and herding dogs. Visitors should avoid the area if possible.
If livestock is encountered, keep dogs leashed and away from livestock, do not approach livestock or working dogs and move slowly around animals and not through groups.
For more information, call 884-2512.
