Several dozen sheep have been brought to a 26-acre field bordered by U.S. Highway 101, De La Cruz Boulevard and Central Expressway where airport navigational equipment is located.
"We're delighted to have them. This saves us the cost of the equipment and fuel it would take to clear the area, not to mention reducing the green house gas emissions," said David Vossbrink, spokesman for Mineta San Jose International Airport.
When the sheep are done grazing away the drying vegetation there they will be used at a number of sites throughout San Jose. A herd of goats will join the sheep at the navigation area that will become a staging area, according to officials.
Using the grazing animals helps manage weeds, prevent fossil fuel pollution and residual herbicide or pesticide runoff as well as reduces fire hazards, according to the city. Other city sites that are expected to use the goats and sheep include Alum Rock Park, Municipal Water Zone 3 Reservoir, and department of transportation areas in Evergreen.
