Goat herds return to chew up Folsom weeds

Dry vegetation poses a serious fire risk in "Distinctive by Nature" Folsom in the coming hot summer months. But there's no need to fear, the goats are here. The city reduces dry vegetation, or "fire fuel," using staff, contractors and grazing animals. "Goat herds will clear over 730 acres this year, including areas previously maintained by human work crews," the city announced last week. Folsom manages more than 980 acres of open space, nearly all of which is weed-trimmed to maintain fire-safe buffers between homes and open land. Folsom officials awarded Capra Environmental a $961,000, three-year contract for goat herds in January, or $320,000 for fiscal year 2024-25. Folsom weed abatement follows a schedule based on fire hazard ratings. To check the schedule or report concerns on vacant private property, visit Folsom.ca.us, use reporting app SeeClickFix Folsom, or call 916-461-6300. The Folsom Landscape and Lighting District weed abatement schedule is based on fire hazard ratings determined by Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano. The city requires defensible space of at least 30 feet from a structure or to the property line. The fire chief may increase the distance to 100 feet in high hazard areas. These requirements apply to city-owned property and private property.