Sustainable Idaho: Hooves on the Ground - A Pilot Project Tackles Invasive Cheatgrass in Southeast Idaho

Host Holly Wilson interviews Eric Pankau, Stewardship Manager for the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust (SSLT) whose mission is to protect, connect, and enhance wildlife habitat, working lands, and community spaces in southeast Idaho. This episode focuses on SSLT’s pilot study to manage invasive cheatgrass with goats as a practical, chemical-free alternative to herbicides. This study evaluates the efficacy of goats intensively grazing in the spring when cheatgrass is growing. The project aims to naturally reduce wildfire severity, control invasive plants, and support mule deer and pollinator habitat.