Published on August 08, 2025
The goats are at it again in Arlington. Arlington Water Utilities recently hired Open Space TX to bring in 460 goats to clear dense and invasive vegetation along the steep, rocky bank of the lake side of the Lake Arlington Dam. Arlington’s Parks and Recreation department previously used targeted grazing by goats at the City of Arlington’s Randol Mill Park and Crystal Canyon Natural Area.
The herd from Open Space TX worked its way along the 1.2-mile dam over a period of 10 days. Their grazing provided a safe, sustainable solution for an area that would have been difficult and dangerous to access with traditional equipment, according to the water department and Open Space.
Clearing vegetation from the dam’s riparian zone is a critical maintenance task. In addition to preventing the growth of trees with invasive root systems, it improves visibility and allows for thorough inspections. Using goats is a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option when compared to using traditional landscaping equipment.
Watch a video of the goats as they work at the Lake Arlington Dam below.