“Goatscapers” clear the way, one bite at a time

When it came time to tackle some overgrown vegetation near our Oak Grove Powerhouse, we brought in an unexpected crew: 200 goats.  

For the first time, PGE partnered with Healing Hooves, a Washington-based company that specializes in sustainable weed control and vegetation management, to help clear dense brush and invasive plants along a 7-mile-long service pipeline. The Oak Grove Powerhouse is part of our Westside Hydropower Project on the Clackamas River, a key contributor to our clean energy mix.  

Shepherd Craig M. of Healing Hooves.

Historically, crews armed with weed whackers would handle the job — a labor intensive and potentially hazardous process. But this year, our hoofed helpers spent four days grazing the hillside, making quick work of the unwanted vegetation while offering a host of other benefits.

Westside Hydro Plant Maintenance Manager, Matthew B. 

Why goats? 

Using goats is more than just charming. It’s an effective wildfire mitigation strategy.  

Gas-powered tools can pose a fire risk, especially in dry conditions where a single spark could ignite nearby brush. Goats, on the other hand, are a quiet, flame-free solution. They also help reduce the physical strain on crews and lower the need for herbicides or mechanical equipment.  

“I have a passion for renewable energy and doing the right thing for the environment,” says Matthew B., plant maintenance manager at Westside Hydro. “If I can find a more ecologically sound way of doing something that’s also cost-effective and safer, that’s great.” 

Goats also graze on steep and hard-to-reach areas, offering an efficient way to maintain defensible space around critical infrastructure like pipelines and powerhouses.  

Meet the crew 

While on the job, the goats were under the watchful eye of Healing Hooves shepherd Craig Madsen and his loyal border collie, Gigi.   

“We section off areas and the goats go to work doing their thing,” explained Craig. “Then they take breaks to chew their cud and get back to it when they’re hungry again.”  

The herd grazed through overgrown vegetation and brush, helping to clear the area and support long-term land management goals. This approach not only improves access for crews but also contributes to healthier ecosystems over time. 

Guard dog Gigi with the goats.

A win for safety, sustainability and smiles 

For the team at Westside Hydro, the experience offered more than just an effective way to manage vegetation. It sparked new ideas — highlighting how creative, low-impact solutions can make the work safer, more efficient and more aligned with our environmental values.  

The goats’ efforts aligned with PGE’s broader goals around sustainable land management and wildfire risk reduction. As part of our Wildfire Mitigation Plan, we’re continually exploring new ways to keep the communities we serve safe while protecting the natural environments we operate in. 

The bottom line? Goats get it done. 

This successful pilot has us thinking about future opportunities to bring goats back for other vegetation management needs. With their natural grazing abilities, minimal environmental impact and incredible work ethic, they’ve earned their spot in our wildfire mitigation toolbox. 

“We hope to continue working with our hillbilly friends,” Matthew said with a laugh. “As long as they don’t go on a hunger strike!”    Watch our goats in action. Check out this time-lapse video of the crew at work along our service pipeline.