With rising fire danger following two dry winters and gasoline prices climbing towards $5 per gallon, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is once again employing Angora and Spanish goats to eat overgrown brush around several reservoir properties in San Francisco. 

These eco-friendly little “mowers” from family owned “Goats R Us” can access hard-to-reach areas where humans and gasoline mowers cannot go.  Overgrown, dry brush and weeds can be a dangerous fire hazard and can make accessing water pipes difficult for SFPUC staff during maintenance and emergencies. Accompanied at all times by a shepherd and a trained Border Collie, the goats provide a safer brush control alternative to herbicides.  The animals are docile and aren't easily distracted from their primary mission – eating.

“The goats provide a cost effective and environmentally-friendly way of controlling weeds and preventing fires," said SFPUC General Manager Ed Harrington.  "Keeping these areas clear of dense brush is critical to public safety and the reliable delivery of our drinking water.”

The goats are part of an SFPUC environmental stewardship approach to managing harmful vegetations on its reservoirs. The removal of dry brush and weeds in a natural way makes room for more fire retardant indigenous plants.  

The goats will be at various SFPUC properties throughout June and July. Photo opportunities of goats can be arranged upon request or photos provided. Today and into the weekend the goats will be near Summit Reservoir just below Sutro Tower at Palo Alto and Marview.