(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Parks and Environmental Divisions have confirmed that the weed-eating cashmere goats that have helped mitigate Bear Creek Park will not be returning this year.

When asked, El Paso County Parks and Environmental Divisions in conjunction with Bear Creek Garden Association (BCGA) said they have developed a “anxious weed management plan that includes various mechanical and biological management practices.”

“After careful consideration, it was determined that the goats would not be returning at this time due to cost, timing, and the availability of other effective weed management practices,” said a spokesperson with El Paso County.

According to the spokesperson, the new plan allows for more efficient and cost-effective mechanical options, such as mowing.

“This approach will provide more economical and effective control options to manage noxious weeds around the community garden,” the spokesperson said.

The goats were first brought to the park in 1999.

The goats used to graze the perimeter of the park and help eradicate invasive, non-native weeds that spread fast. The goats had been utilized for years to help manage weeds around the garden at Bear Greek Park.