City officials say grazing could offer a low-cost, low-impact option for managing vegetation on hard‑to‑mow properties.
CONWAY, SC — Conway officials are evaluating whether goats could help maintain several city‑owned properties that have become difficult and costly to keep cleared. The idea, which has been used for decades in other parts of the country, would bring in contracted grazing animals to reduce thick brush, vines, and overgrowth on land the city is responsible for maintaining.
The discussion comes as Conway continues to manage a number of vacant parcels, including FEMA buyout lots in flood‑prone neighborhoods. These properties must remain clear of heavy vegetation, but traditional mowing can be challenging due to uneven terrain, standing water, and recurring growth cycles.
City staff noted that goats are effective at clearing dense underbrush and invasive plants, often reaching areas that machinery cannot. Because goats are browsers rather than grazers, they naturally target vines, briars, saplings, and other woody vegetation that typically require repeated mechanical cutting.
If approved, Conway would not purchase or house goats. Instead, the city would contract with a licensed grazing service that provides fencing, supervision, and transport. The service would also be responsible for ensuring the lots are safe for the animals, including removing hazards such as glass, metal, or debris before grazing begins.
Several residents have expressed support for the idea during public comment periods, citing reduced noise, lower emissions, and the potential for long‑term cost savings. Other communities in the Carolinas have used similar programs to maintain greenways, retention ponds, and municipal easements.
City leaders emphasized that the proposal remains in the evaluation stage. Staff are reviewing cost comparisons, site suitability, and any permitting requirements before bringing a formal recommendation to council. More information is expected to be presented at an upcoming Conway City Council meeting.
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