Did you know that October is Bat Appreciation Month?

And not just because we are in the spooky season…

Bats are eco-superstars!   They are critical to the health of our ecosystem due to their contributions to pollination, insect control and seed distribution. According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), it is estimated that bats save approximately $3 billion per year in crop damage and pesticide use in the agricultural industry.

Bats are declining globally due to extensive habitat loss and development, hunting for sport and meat, climate change, and disease, such as White-Nose Syndrome.

Federal projects or any project proponents that receive federal funding are obligated to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), which prohibits β€œtake” of federally endangered species – including bats!      

Davey Resource Group "DRG" has decades of experience working with federal agencies for permitting and regulatory compliance. Our team of experts can determine applicability, the potential presence of federally listed bat species, complete habitat assessments, conduct present/probable absence surveys, identify methods to minimize and avoid impacts to bats and their habitat, coordinate with USFWS and other natural resource agencies, and more. DRG’s bat experts can also collect guano from a structure for DNA analysis by a specialized mammal genetics laboratory, which enables the identification of the bat species using the bridge when visual identification is not possible. Identifying the species also allows the selection of the appropriate conservation measures to be implemented during project construction.

Members of our DRG NJ team recently participated in a panel discussion with regulatory agency and industry representatives entitled Building Roads to Recovery for Vulnerable Bat Populations at the Northeast Transportation & Wildlife Conference in Mystic, CT.  The DRG team, including Jennifer LaStella and Elizabeth Chudy, specifically addressed bat use of bridges and culverts for roosting and maternity purposes. 

The discussion centered on:

  • Ideal roost characteristics
  • Potential bridge maintenance impacts on bats
  • Regulatory implications and requirements
  • Survey methodology and documentation
  • Supplemental surveys
  • Other survey considerations (such as birds protected under the
    Migratory Bird Treaty Act)

In addition, the DRG NJ team presented two case studies highlighting positive bat presence at a culvert and a bridge in northern New Jersey. The case studies also summarized the results of supplemental studies conducted by the NJ Endangered and Non-Game Species Program, which confirmed these structures are being used year after year, verified the species occupying the structures, and identified the type of roost each structure is serving as.

You can view their presentation here!

DRG is closely following the anticipated USFWS uplisting of the tri-colored bat under the ESA and will provide updates as they become available.

Don’t miss the survey window(s) for your next project requiring a preliminary bridge bat survey or emergence survey! Early coordination and open and thorough communication with the USFWS is a reliable solution to save time and money since most species-specific survey methodologies are restricted to seasonal survey periods.  Survey windows in New Jersey:

Preliminary Bridge Survey: May 1st to October 31st
Emergence Survey Window: May 15th to August 15th

Contact DRG today to discuss how we can assist with your project!