One problem that many landowners face is invasive plant species

The traditional, existing methods to control unwanted vegetation include chemical (HERBICIDES), mechanical (cutting or clipping), and prescribed burn. Each of these control measures has risks and/or are expensive. Goats offer a biological control option. Goats can be used to remove and control woody vegetation and underbrush so that pasture and forest land can be constructively and sustainably maintained. Invasive species also utilize available groundwater, inhibiting growth of native forage species that are a natural part of the ecosystem. In addition, goats can improve soil fertility by release of nutrients sequestered in woody plants. Many communities, local governments, and landowners are interested in utilizing goats for biological control because of concerns about chemical use or misuse, rugged and steep terrain that prohibits use of traditional machinery, and the risk of prescribed burns becoming uncontrollable. However, many landowners and land managers have not RAI SED goats and have concerns about management, predation, and disease. For most demonstration sites, the existing fencing is not adequate and will not keep goats in or keep predators out. Therefore, portable electric fencing will be purchased to contain the goats within the demonstration area and to protect the goats from predators. An educational workshop will be conducted at the end of grazing seasons. Goals of the project include increasing the capacity of landowners, managers, and professionals to assess the threat of invasive species and implement effective invasive species management and control strategies to protect the nation's forest, pasture and rangeland ecosystems. Langston university will partner with municipal and tribal governments and communities to establish demonstration sites for the biological control of unwanted vegetation and invasive species using goats. Portable electronet fencing to hold goats will be constructed at the demonstration sites. Goats will be placed on demonstration sites at the beginning of the grazing (GROWING) season and will be removed at the end of the season. Workshops will be conducted annually at the end of each grazing seasons. Preceding and following the workshops, program evaluation will be sought from all stakeholders. Team members will hold a pre-workshop conference to discuss program achievements, unforeseen pitfalls, and rectifications. Evaluations will be sought from workshop P articipants and a post-workshop conference will be held to discuss insights gained from workshop participants.