Making Connections: Bats, Bridges, and Environmental Requirements & Considerations

Join us Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT, as we discuss the connection between bats and their use of transportation infrastructure, specifically bridges and culverts! During this FREE webinar, we’ll provide a general overview on bat ecology and habitat requirements with a focus on how bridge maintenance projects may impact bat species in New Jersey. 

You’ll also learn how to interpret and navigate state and federal environmental regulatory protections, including an explanation on applying the USFWS & FHWA, FRA, and FTA Programmatic Biological Opinion; the Northern long-eared bat 4(d) Rule; and IPAC Determination Keys. We will provide an overview on survey methodologies, requirements, and considerations, as well as three examples of structures surveyed in New Jersey. 

The steps required in the event bats are identified during a bridge survey will also be addressed. We’ll review conservation measures and potential restrictions that may be required and implemented by the USFWS and the New Jersey Endangered & Non-Game Species Program. Lastly, potential changes to listing status of several bat species will be highlighted, including the proposed uplisting of the Northern long-eared bat later this year.