I probably should apologize to the Corps of Engineers for the flippant reference to kudzu there. 
Kudzu was introduced to the United States in 1876 at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. It was an ornamental vine. For a time, it was used to feed animals. Then, in he 1920s and 1930s, it was heavily promoted by the SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE and the CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS for erosion control. (The Army Corps of Engineers was only slightly involved.)
Yes, Clemson Agricultural and Military College was involved in the promotion of kudzu for erosion control, as were many southeastern colleges and universities.
The Federal government withdrew its support of kudzu for erosion in 1953. But, by then, the "vine that ate the South" was unstoppable.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: The stuff is edible - by humans. We may find a way to weather the recession yet. 
