WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- The Walla Walla District will use a herd of goats and sheep to remove weeds and other vegetation along the levees bordering the shoreline from the Mill Creek Diversion Dam downstream to the metal footbridge near the Mill Creek Office.
The first phase of grazing will begin on the south levee near the dam at Rooks Park. Dogs must be leashed on both sides of the creek while the goats work on the levees. This is essential for the safety of the dogs, goats and sheep. Unleashed pets risk touching an electric fence or conflicting with the herd’s working dogs. Park rangers will post signs and conduct extra patrols to ensure visitors keep dogs leashed and under physical control.
After clearing the levees, the herd will clear underbrush around Yellowhawk and Garrison Creeks, as well as the diversion dam levee. If flows in Mill Creek allow, the animals will remove invasive reed canary grass around the debris barrier upstream of the diversion dam.
Based on past grazing projects and current schedules the temporary leash rule will remain in effect for about four weeks, while the levees are being cleared.
“The goats are here to help us with the maintenance of the levees where it would be difficult to do by hand,” said Seth Langianese, a park ranger for Mill Creek Office. “While it’s nice to have these animals here we want to remind the public to look but not touch, and allow the goats, sheep and shepherd dogs to do their work.”
This work allows U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff to safely inspect the levee later this year during periods of flood risk. Goat grazing is an effective way to control vegetation without using herbicides or burning. Grazing also lessens future maintenance by reducing seed production.
The metal footbridge near the Mill Creek Office will remain open. As in past years, in-water recreational activities in the Mill Creek channel along the vegetation removal zone will be temporarily suspended because the working dogs may perceive visitors or their pets as a threat to the herd. Visitors and their dogs can play in the water downstream of the metal footbridge or at Bennington Lake.
Visitors should not approach the goats or working dogs -- young goats will be present and the ewes and working dogs are protective. The public is advised to keep their distance and let the animals do their job of eating the weeds and brambles off the levee.
For more information about this project, Mill Creek Dam or Bennington Lake, call the Mill Creek Office at 509-527-7160 or visit: https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Locks-and-Dams/Mill-Creek-Dam-and-Bennington-Lake/