HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL NR 2019-07-08 Goats to Maintain Waterways
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
July 8, 2019
Media Contact:
Leah Kosin, Public Information Assistant
lkosin@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2781
Goats to Maintain Overgrowth at Two Local Waterways
The public is being asked to avoid petting and feeding the goats at all times.
Leesburg, VA (July 8, 2019) – Beginning on
Monday, July 15, the Town will begin utilizing
goats for the removal of vegetation at two
flood-way channels within the Town.
For years, Leesburg has been using a herbicide,
which has created some environmental
concerns. In response, the Leesburg Town
Council voted 7 to 0, during an April 2019 public
hearing, to utilize goats for the removal of
vegetation.
According to Director of Public Works and Capital Projects Renee LaFollette goats can quickly
clear plant growth and will be relatively cost effective compared to other options that were
considered. A contract was awarded to Prosperity Acres, LLC, from Sunderland, MD, on June 29,
2019.
Fencing will be installed over the weekend and the goats will begin clearing tall grass and weeds
at Town Branch, just behind the Dry Mill town homes, beginning Monday. Once the waterway
has been cleared, the goats will be relocated to the Plaza Street flood-way, towards the end of
July.
Residents are asked to stay away from the goats, avoid petting or feeding them, and to keep
dogs leashed at all times. Prosperity Acres, LLC, will maintain the fencing and goats on a daily
basis.
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