Waves of grass can save ocean of oil; Slowing mowing is a growing trend as state, federal parks officials counter higher fuel prices.(Capital Region)

Byline: LEIGH HORNBECK - Staff Writer

STILLWATER - In the 1960s, the trend was longer hair.

In today's parks, it's longer grass.

Officials at Saratoga Spa State Park revealed in May they were letting 11.5 previously mowed acres grow to save on fuel and maintenance. The head of the Saratoga National Historical Park has reduced scheduled mowing and visitors to state parks at Moreau Lake, Thompson Lake, Thacher and Cherry Plain may soon find longer grass.

"The department is developing a plan and has already reduced mowing in some places, including historic sites like the Schuyler Mansion in Albany," said Dan Keefe, a spokesman for the Office of …