February 15, 2002
Dear Prospective Team Member:
You are receiving this application because you may have
an interest in the on-going “Goats in the Woods” research and demonstration project, coordinated through Cornell
University and Penn State University. This
project is designed to benefit goat producers who seek additional opportunities
for production and to optimize their profit potential. We are soliciting applicants to serve as members
of collaborative research teams for the summer of 2002. You are invited
to apply to be the goat producer or woodland owner part of a team.
The
purpose of the collaborative research is to assess and demonstrate: goat weight
gain in woodland settings, how goats affect desired and undesired forest vegetation,
and the working relationship that might exist between woodlot owners and goat
producers. “Goats in the Woods” will be selecting
four separate collaborative research teams for 2002, each consisting of a
woodlot owner, a goat producer, and a Team Leader. A two-page description
of team tasks is enclosed with this letter and application form.
“Goats in the Woods” will own the goats, having purchased them
in May 2002, and provide them to the producer. The project provides all necessary medications,
feed, mineral/salt supplements, fencing, battery, ground rods, fencer, and
connections.
Any
veterinary needs for project goats will be provided through the Cornell Vet
School with no cost to the team. Team members will receive technical and management
support through advanced training, fact sheets, and woodlot visits.
If you are interested in applying to become a Team member, please fill out the enclosed application and mail or fax it to the address on the application.
We sincerely appreciate your interest in this project. Should you not want to pursue becoming a part of a Team, but want more information about what we are doing with “Goats in the Woods” please feel free to contact us. We love sharing what we’re learning. Or you can visit our web site at http://www.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/goatsinthewoods
Sincerely,
Colleen Parsons
Herd Manager
(607) 732 – 4987