Listing Of Bat As ‘Threatened’ Creates Obligation On Forest Landowners

The recent listing of the northern long-eared bat as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act has serious implications for forest landowners carrying out management activities.

In its determination for listing the bat as threatened, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that forest management activities may be contributing to the bats demise. To address these concerns, the Service has established rules for landowners conducting forestry operations in order to avoid a regulatory taking of a bat.

The biggest challenge to forest landowners in complying with the rule is the unknown or unavailable information regarding the locations of the bats, specifically the bat’s hibernacula and maternity roost trees.

In order to assist clients in complying with the new rule, F&W has researched, compiled, and mapped the locations of a significant number of hibernacula and maternity roost trees throughout our operating footprint. Our area management foresters have access to this information and can provide assistance to landowners engaging in forest management activities.

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