TULSA, Okla. –<\/p>\n
The animals, provided by Green Collar Goats in Tulsa<\/a>, are being used to clear invasive plant species as part of a larger effort to restore the natural ecosystem across hundreds of acres.<\/p>\n \n A Natural Solution to Invasive Plants<\/p>\n River Parks officials say, using goats for habitat restoration isn\u2019t a new concept, but it\u2019s a new approach for Tulsa. Turkey<\/a> Mountain spans about 750 acres, and officials say the goal is to return the land to what it looked like nearly a century ago.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve seen goats used for invasive species management and habitat restoration work in other places,\u201d said Ryan Howell<\/a> with River Parks Authority<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n How the Goats Help the Ecosystem<\/p>\n The goats selectively eat invasive plants while leaving grass untouched, which is a key benefit for rebuilding the ecosystem naturally. Officials say the method is also far less labor-intensive and more cost-effective than traditional brush clearing.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving people do it, it\u2019s very labor intensive,\u201d Howell said. \u201cA group of 10 people can clear out maybe an acre in two or three days, depending on the density.\u201d<\/p>\n \n Technology Guides the Herd<\/p>\n The goats are provided by Green Collar Goats, a local company that uses technology to control where the animals graze. They allow the herd to safely tackle steep or difficult terrain that would be challenging for crews to reach.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re actually able to use a collar that fits on the goats that allows us to geo-fence on an app where we want them to graze,\u201d said Daniel Rose with Green Collar Goats.<\/p>\n \n Positive Public Response and Future Plans<\/p>\n River Parks officials say visitors have responded enthusiastically to the goats, calling the program a success.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a great experiment,\u201d Howell said. \u201cWe\u2019ve had a huge positive public reaction to it. I think it\u2019s a win-win for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Officials say the goats will be used seasonally, and residents may see them in other areas along the river in the future.<\/p>\n \n Reminder for Visitors<\/p>\n