GREAT NECK, N.Y. (WPIX)—
Park officials on Long Island are letting loose more than two dozen hungry goats to eat up damaging vines that are overrunning public parks, officials announced Monday.The green initiative by AmeriCorps aims to clean up nearly 175 acres of public parkland in Great Neck. Eleven volunteers will be assisted by 25 grazing goats in removing much of the vines.
According park rangers, cat green briar - a variety of the voracious "smilax" vine - has infested the park. Rangers say the vine is growing at an alarming rate throughout the park, destroying everything in its path including public trails, trees, and nests as well as food for wildlife.
New York Congressman Gary Ackerman's office contacted the White House over the summer looking for a solution to the problem. The goats are expected to save an estimated $98,000. Officials say a field crew would have cost $100,000; the goats cost just $2,000.
The parkland, located in Kings Point Park, primarily consists of natural forest land used for hiking and cross country skiing. Since the park is a protected wetland, the use of chemical substances to combat the vine problem is prohibited.
