Goats will be back on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line (SCBRL) starting Thursday to control vegetation on approximately 2 miles of the corridor in Mid-County. The vegetation work will be overseen by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC).
Goats will be at four locations to control weeds and potential fire hazards, clear certain drainage ditches to prevent clogging that could damage infrastructure or neighboring properties, reduce debris degrading railroad ties, and to clear certain invasive growth areas that impede visibility for safe travel and for police to patrol for illegal activities. Utilizing goats is quieter, more energy efficient, requires less person power and could reduce the need for and/or enhance the effectiveness of herbicides. This could also reduce the overall maintenance cost of the corridor for the RTC.
Goats will be at four locations along the SCBRL:
- State Park Drive in Aptos.
- Sumner Avenue in Aptos.
- Park Avenue in Capitola.
- 41st Avenue in Capitola.
This work will require the use of electric fencing, goat herders and herding dogs, all of which will be contained within the SCBRL work area. The public is asked not to disturb the electric fencing, enter the fenced area or pet/feed the goats or dogs.
It’s hardly the first time residents have seen goats doing this type of work around Santa Cruz County. Over the years, they’ve made appearances on the UC Santa Cruz campus, in Santa Cruz Gardens, around Neary Lagoon, at Santa Cruz and Soquel high schools and elsewhere, chewing through overgrown areas.
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