FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794
Goats on the Loose!
North Hempstead recruits goats to aid in removal of poison ivy
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Council Member Veronica Lurvey recently announced a pilot program that will use goats to help remove poison ivy from Town property. The item was passed unanimously during the April 22 Town Board meeting.
“It has always been my priority as Supervisor to protect and preserve our environment, and the Town has initiated a number of unique programs to do just that,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “I am excited to add this new goat program to our list of innovative environmental initiatives, as they provide us with the means necessary to remove invasive species without the use of pesticides. I am certainly looking forward to seeing the goats in action.”
The pilot program will take place on a one-acre piece of Town property at the corner of West Shore Road and Shoreview Avenue in Manhasset. The goat will be fenced in and on-site for four months. Town staff will provide them with water and the contractor will check on the goats weekly.
“We are looking forward to having these goats join us and allowing them to graze as a means of invasive plant control,” said Council Member Lurvey. “Goats have been used in various locations across New York State, including in New York City, and on Long Island. We hope they enjoy their trip to North Hempstead.”
Typically it takes at least two seasons of treatment to completely remove an invasive plant species. If successful and deemed safe, Town employees will continue the rest of the removal. The Town will then evaluate plans to hire the goats to clean up another portion of land in the same area.
