MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The Mendocino National Forest will begin a vegetation management project at the Red Bluff Recreation Area in Red Bluff Tuesday, April 30.

Blue Tent Farms, contractor on the project, will turn out approximately 1,000 Kiko Savanna cross goats to reduce vegetation in a 100-acre demonstration project area in the undeveloped portions of the RBRA.

The goats will graze vegetation in designated locations to a height of four inches which is recommended by fuels management specialists to keep fires at low severity in the event of wildland fire.

The vegetation management project will reduce the risk of a large wildfire, and help improve public safety and visitor experience at the RBRA.

The project will not affect the campgrounds, picnic areas, the boat ramp or the Sacramento River Discovery Center. At no time will the goats have access to the Sacramento River, East Sand Slough or other wetlands.

The goats will be moved around within the 100-acre project area with a temporary, movable fence. The temporary fencing will help protect water quality for fish and elderberry tree habitat. Project managers expect the goats to be on the RBRA site for about a month.

There will be shepherds and guard dogs on location. Please do not approach the goats or dogs.