Port of Green Bay hires sheep to “mow” the lawn on Renard Island
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials with the Port of Green Bay announced on Tuesday that they will use a unique and cost-effective method to manage the vegetation on Renard Island.
According to a release, the Port of Green Bay awarded a contract to the Wooly Green Grazers of Appleton to have sheep graze across Renard Island throughout the growing season.
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This is a pilot project to determine the effectiveness of grazing compared to biannual mechanical mowing
Mark Walter Business Development Manager for the Port of Green Bay
Officials say three groups of sheep will spend the growing season grazing the island with the sheep being moved to a new area of the island every one or two days.
They add that it is estimated to take 35 days to graze the entire island, and once the first round is complete, the sheep will start over again.
In addition to being a cost effective and environmentally friendly maintenance method, we’re looking forward to the added benefits of invasive species control and soil fertilization. We’re really looking forward to seeing how this pilot progresses.
Mark Walter Business Development Manager for the Port of Green Bay
With Renard Island closed to the public at this time, officials say measures are being taken to secure and monitor the sheep. The public is strongly urged to abide by the ‘No Trespassing’ signage in the area for the safety of themselves and the sheep.
To learn more about the Port of Green Bay, click here.
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