Reducing wildfire risk is a priority at the City of Folsom. Weed abatement involves removing weeds, brush, and dry grasses from public areas and open space to help reduce fire hazards.
The Parks & Recreation Department manages more than 980 acres of open space areas in parks and the city's Landscaping and Lighting (L&L) Districts. About 300 of those acres are weed abated.
The city uses multiple weed abatement methods, including:
- The work of city maintenance staff and contractors
- Managed grazing: sheep and goats are used in select areas in Folsom to control vegetation instead of manual, mechanical, or chemical methods. The animals graze on weeds and invasive species, including Chinese tallows and Tree of Heaven. Protected trees and plants, including young oak trees and elderberry shrubs, are fenced off from the grazing animals.