Endangered Bat Avoidance, Surveying and Compliance for Development Projects

North American Bats & Property Development

There has been a massive decline in North American bat populations due to an emerging disease known as White-Nose Syndrome. This decline in population has led to three bats being federally listed and two petitioned to be listed as endangered for protection under the Endangered Species Act; the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis), the Northern Long Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), and the Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens).

Bat detection services conducted by Lord & Winter may be required if you require a federal permit on your development project. Some examples of federal permits potentially requiring bat habitat or presence/absence surveys include Section 404 Permit Applications under the Clean Water, a NEPA Compliance Review for projects using federal monies, or many other state or local projects if there is a potential to interfere, disturb, or disrupt known bat habitats such as roosting site locations. Endangered bats can be both federally and state managed depending upon the location of the country. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has the authority to manage endangered species under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act enforcement (ESA). The Endangered Species Act is triggered on any project requiring a federal permit, such as from the US Army Corps of Engineers, or any project using federal money.

Endangered Bat Avoidance, Surveying and Compliance for Development Projects

Project Planning & Bat Detection

Lord & Winter staff can help in your project planning phase identify and assess suitability of critical bat habitat and conduct presence/absence surveys. Our experience includes acoustic monitoring, echolocation call identification, radio-tracking, roost tree identification, and the handling and capture of species. Call Lord & Winter to help you minimize and avoid any impact to local bat species.

Types of bat detection services we currently provide:

Acoustic Monitoring

This survey type is a passive, non-invasive technique to assess the presence or absence of bat species. Our staff utilizes bat detectors with a mounted microphone to record echolocation calls. Survey routes and times are dependent upon project needs. With nearly a decade of experience, we can confidently guide your project.

Species Identification

Following the utilization of acoustic monitors, Lord and Winter, LLC, has the expertise to identify bat echolocation calls. Staff is trained in up-to-date technologies, including Kaleidoscope and Sonobat software. Our staff uses the software to automatically identify species but to ensure accuracy, staff will manually vet through all classifications to verify they have been classified correctly.

Bat Capture Surveys

Environmental Due Diligence Prior to Acquisition

The Lord and Winter is experienced and permitted to capture and handle threatened and endangered species within certain areas of the Southeastern US including Tennessee and Kentucky. Lord and Winter will conduct all animal handling with proper permits and adhere to White-nose Syndrome (WNS) decontamination and COVID-19 protocols.

Ensure your construction project stays compliant with the Endangered Species Act requirements. Contact Lord and Winter today!

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