Bella Vista to eat away at vegetation management

City officials hope they’ve come up with a way to literally eat away at vegetation along Bethnal Road and a stretch of the Back 40 mountain bike trail.

The city contracted with Greedy Goats of Northwest Arkansas to implement a demonstration project.

The project was to begin Nov. 1 in the right of way and trailside at the former stump dump on Bethnal Road. The goats will work through Nov. 10.

Goats will remove weeds and other invasive vegetation beginning at Cranfield Drive and continuing south along the public right of way approximately 360 feet, according to information from the city. Between nine and 13 goats will arrive and leave the site daily, and be contained by electric fencing while working in the vegetation-maintenance zone. A goatherd will watch the goats on-site at all times.

“The area is currently overgrown with poison ivy, blackberries and other invasives,” said Kay Curry, Bella Vista trails coordinator. “The dreaded poison ivy is a delicacy for the goats.”

Trail users should not attempt to approach the goats. Those on the trail and residents in the area are urged to also keep dogs away from the animals. This will allow the goats to do their job.

"The area is currently overgrown with poison ivy, blackberries and other invasives." Kay Curry Bella Vista Trails Coordinator