An Anatolian Shepherd cools off in a watering trough while guarding the goats.

Noshing their way through tall weeds and grass, 70 goats are enjoying the spacious area at the base of the Chet Harritt Dam in Lakeside. Protected by an Anatolian Shepherdand an electric fence powered by a solar cell, these hungry little girls are doing what they do best—eat.

They also are providing:
1. Fire protection for critical water treatment and pumping station facilities owned by the Helix Water District
2. Environmentally friendly mowing services
3. Reduction in the District’s carbon footprint by eliminating most of the use of gasoline powered, two-stroke engine weed-cutters and the gasoline consumption from trucking and hauling debris to a landfill from this large area
4. Cost savings to Helix ratepayers—clearing 10 acres for about the same amount that 4 acres would cost using commercial weed-abatement
5. Munching on steeply inclining terrain that would otherwise be considered difficult, and perhaps even dangerous, to be mowed with mechanical hand-held weed-cutters

This project will be done in two phases. The current phase will concentrate on the lower areas around the Harold Ball Pump Station and the second phase will begin in September to protect sensitive habitat and will spread up the face of the dam and the steep hills leading up to the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant. This area was burned during the 2003 Cedar Fire, forcing the Plant staff to fight the flames as the destructive force approached.

The second phase will employ about 150 to 200 goats, also from Brad Woolf’s company, Hire-a-Goat. With the larger number, Mr. Woolf may place a guard lama in the pen. In addition to the fencing, the guard dog or lama protects the goats from predators, such as coyotes. Water is provided and goats are tended daily by Mr. Woolf who works out of his ranch in Ramona.

Fire protection for water treatment and pumping facilities is critical to the District and the community at large. This environmental friendly project has benefits to both.