Livestock landscaping: Vermont ski areas employ goats and sheep to clear the slopes
Share this @internewscast.com

JAY, Vt. (AP) — Months before the first snow beckons skiers, sheep and goats are hitting the slopes in Vermont.

At Jay Peak, situated near the Canadian boundary, numerous animals have been tasked with trimming the excessive growth of vegetation. The plan involves clearing 25 acres (10 hectares) in a span of five weeks, as an experimental approach on the 300 acres (120 hectares) needing maintenance. Officials hope to gradually diminish the dependence on gas-operated mechanical mowers.

“This year has shown that it can be achieved and with success,” stated Andy Stenger, the director of mountain and base area operations. “The animals are terrific workers. They do take frequent lunch breaks, but that’s essentially the point.”

The animals are equipped with special collars that produce a noise if they approach too near an invisible fence, and administer a mild shock if they cross the boundary. These collars also provide data to the herd’s owner, Adam Ricci of Cloud Brook Grazing.

“I can determine where they are spending most of their time. I also receive alerts if any animal seems unwell, as decreased activity triggers a notification,” Ricci explained.

The concept of using livestock for certain landscaping tasks isn’t novel. Over 25 years ago, a New Hampshire electric company utilized 1,000 sheep to manage vegetation under power lines. In 2010, goats were deployed by the University of Georgia to tackle invasive plants on campus grounds. The Nashville Chew Crew, a team of sheep, has been aiding the city’s parks department since 2017. Additionally, New York City has employed goats for park maintenance.

Ricci mentioned that his goats and sheep were busy throughout the summer, transforming backyards, reclaiming neglected farmland, feasting on poison ivy, and removing invasive plant species from a retirement community’s surroundings.

“Ideally, we can scale this up to the point where it’s working well and then hopefully develop a model that can be used at other ski resorts as well,” he said. “But there’s still a lot to learn here.”

Further south, Magic Mountain ski area used a herd from Slippery Slope Goats last year to do its mowing. In both cases, the collaboration was facilitated by the Agritech Institute for Small Farms, an organization working to increase access to advanced technology that can help small farms stay in business while mitigating climate change.

Goatscaping reduces the carbon footprint of vegetation control, reduces erosion and increases a site’s capacity to hold water, Ricci said. The cost per acre is similar to mechanical mowing, though he acknowledges the animals are slow.

“Conventional methods, they’re covering this whole entire site in about 10 days,” he said. “So these guys work significantly slower than weed whackers do.”

But employees and visitors at Jay Peak have enjoyed the friendly herd, Stenger said.

“It’s a lot of fun to have them on the mountain,” he said.

____

Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…
Florida Uber Eats driver noticed autistic son missing from car, continues delivery: police

Florida Uber Eats Driver Reports Autistic Son Missing During Delivery, Police Investigate

A Florida Uber Eats driver has been charged with child neglect after…
Sonya Massey trial: Opening statements begin in trial of former Illinois Deputy Dean Grayson, accused of murder

High-Profile Illinois Trial Begins: Former Deputy Dean Grayson Faces Murder Charges

In Peoria, Illinois, the trial of Sean Grayson commenced on Wednesday with…
Celebrities from Prince Harry to Steve Bannon call for ban on AI 'superintelligence.' What is it?

Why Celebrities Like Prince Harry and Steve Bannon Are Demanding a Ban on AI Superintelligence

(NEXSTAR) – An open letter urging the cessation of progress in “superintelligence”…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…
ABC's 'World News Tonight' anchor David Muir honored by Temple University

ABC’s David Muir Receives Prestigious Honor from Temple University for Excellence in Journalism

PHILADELPHIA — Temple University recently hosted a celebration honoring outstanding achievements in…
Star-studded gala celebrates Misty Copeland as she takes final bow with American Ballet Theatre in NYC

NYC Gala Honors Misty Copeland’s Iconic Farewell with American Ballet Theatre: A Star-Studded Celebration

NEW YORK — Misty Copeland is set to retire her iconic pointe…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike

Tragic Loss: Young Humpback Whale Falls Victim to Suspected Propeller Accident off New Jersey Coast

A young humpback whale, found stranded near Long Beach Island, New Jersey,…
A Trump supporter wearing an inflatable costume is attacked in moving gif

Shocking Video: Man in Inflatable Trump Costume Assaulted at ‘No Kings’ Protest in Blue State

A man from Massachusetts has been officially charged after reportedly attacking a…