Albany Enlists Goats To Clear Land Around City Reservoir

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Albany city officials are experimenting with goat power to help clear overgrown land around a reservoir.

The city says it is deploying five nanny goats this week to chew away nearly three acres of overgrowth along a steep slope at a reservoir in suburban Loudonville. Albany officials want to see how well the goats chomp down grapevines, sumac, bittersweet and other plants that have been growing for two decades.

The goats involved in the pilot program are being rented for $3,900 from a nearby farm. They are named Toast, Butter, Minnie, Blondie and Cleopatra.

The goats are expected to finish the job in about a month.