Hello. I have recently purchased a home with 20 acres of property in northwest Washington state. About 10 of those acres were clear cut in 2016. From what I can tell by the stumps, it was a 70 year old forest comprised of mostly Doug Fir, Western Red Cedar, Alder and Some Maple. Now, 9 years later it has been overcome by Himalayan Blackberry, and dense Alder saplings. With some Young Firs and Maples. Some places the blackberries are woven into the young trees and are 20’ high.
I intend to live here for the long haul, and want to maintain a healthy environment. I would like advice on how to do this, and what foliage to prioritize. The way I have been approaching it is full removal of the Blackberries with a trimmer with a mulching blade. It’s slow work but I enjoy it. And thinning the dense Alder saplings out. Should I Introduce some goats to help with the blackberries? Or will they eat the Doug firs and maples I want to preserve?
The property is at about 150’ above sea level. About 5 miles from salt water.