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VTA Joins Green Grazing Movement

Release Number:	nr03-07
Release Date:	Mar 18, 2009

Sheep and Goats are Grazing at Facility near SR 237


San Jose, Calif. — While using grazing sheep and goats to reduce weeds and grasses is a time honored tradition in more rural regions, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority believes it is the first transit district in the Bay Area to employ four-legged lawn mowers.

Approximately 400 animals will be providing a natural alternative to mowing for the springtime growth of grass and weeds around VTA’s Cerone Division, which is located alongside State Route 237 and Zanker Road in north San Jose. The animals are slated to be on site until March 28, or until the 10-acre test parcel at Cerone has been fully grazed, which ever comes first.

“This activity allows VTA to try an alternative process that significantly reduces the use of herbicides,” said Michael Burns, General Manager of VTA. “If the program proves to be practical, it also means less dependence on motorized mowers.”

The company providing the animals is the same one that has been supplying sheep and goats to the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant, located directly across SR 237 from the Cerone Division. In addition to the animals, the contract also provides for shepherds, sheep dogs and temporary fences for herding.

A decision to extend the contract will be made after the impacts and results of the two-week trial period are fully evaluated.

The grazing experiment is part of VTA’s Sustainability Program, which has also seen VTA purchase hybrid vehicles for its paratransit and non-revenue vehicle fleet, greatly increased paper recycling and significant reductions in overall water, paper and electricity usage. VTA also plans to purchase a number of hybrid passenger buses in the near future and use them to replace older, diesel-burning buses.

VTA is committed to creating a greener Santa Clara Valley through its Sustainability Program. The program seeks to meet today’s needs without compromising future generations. VTA’s Sustainability Program will strengthen VTA’s commitment to the environment through the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of greenhouse gases, the prevention of pollution and the use of renewable energy and materials.    
 

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About VTA

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA is responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations; congestion management; specific highway improvement projects; countywide transportation planning and provides these services to cities throughout the county including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale.  VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa ClaraCounty.

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