Threatened and Endangered Species Update
The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) population has been devastated by the White
Nose Syndrome (WNS) throughout the eastern United States. This disease has
caused a mortality rate of up to a 90-100% where present. As a result, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the northern long-eared bat as threatened and established a new rule,
called the 4(d) Rule, to protect the bat population during its most vulnerable
life stages in areas where the disease is present known as the White-Nose
Syndrome Zone.
ATFS has created two guidance documents, one for landowners and one for foresters to help you better understand this ruling and its implications on Tree Farmers. Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with landowners and other inspectors in your state.
