Photo by Daniel Olson Goats walk along the fence line as they graze in the enclosed space of the Bailey family farm outside of New Ulm. The Bailey’s have expressed interest in using their goats if a new city ordinance to cut down on invasive plant species is passed.

NEW ULM — Looking to combat invasive plant species, a unique and eco-friendly solution will be sent to City Council for approval.

A draft policy for a goat grazing ordinance was approved by the Park and Rec Commission at their meeting Monday. The idea had previously been proposed by City Planner John Knisley at a City Council Work Session June 20. At the time, Knisley said the council directed staff to start drafting an ordinance to allow goats for noxious weed control. That directive came to fruition Monday. Schugel explained the ordinance and plans for its future.

“Goats managing grazing areas could be a effective tool in our invasive species management throughout the city,” he said. “That includes some city land, either park land or spaces we manage internally with our department. Along with residents who would have the opportunity to follow this ordinance if they choose. Our city planner, plans to bring this to city council in the near future. Today he would be looking for support from the Commission to give approval if you choose to.”

Johnson asked if this is something New Ulm has done before. Schugel said they had not, but it was a trend in the surrounding area.

“This is something other communities are starting to use, and it’s starting to become more popular,” he said. “If you’ve been aware the DNR has used this at Flandrau State Park particularly as well as other areas around the state. They can be an effective management tool.”

Johnson made the motion to approve the draft and Luneberg seconded. Schugel clarified this ordinance will be up for City Council approval either at the September 19 or October 3 meeting.

In other news, the Park and Rec Commission made a step towards keeping the parks of New Ulm smoke-free.

A tobacco-free ordinance has been in place since January 2021, meant to keep smoking out of the city owned parks. With marijuana being legalized August 1, it is not currently covered. Park and Rec director Joey Schugel explained the change from tobacco-free to smoke-free.

“Before you is a draft policy reviewed by our city attorney to update the tobacco-free policy and incorporate cannabis into a smoke-free policy,” he said. “The state Office of Cannabis Management already states it is illegal in any location where smoke, aerosol, or vapor of cannabis can be inhaled by minors. This is [separate in] updating our policy to move from tobacco-free to smoke-free, including cannabis [in our parks].”

Since August 1, many other communities have adopted or considered adopting a similar policy. Schugel attended a state virtual roundtable last week with other communities and they were talking about similar things in their park system.

No questions were asked of the policy. Commissioner Kurt Johnson made the motion to approve the draft and Commissioner Bev Luneberg seconded. The policy will be up for approval at the next City Council meeting September 19.