On April 2, the northern long-eared bat, Myotis septentrionalis, was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Given that the bat is known to reside in Virginia, the Department of Defense directed Marine Corps Base Quantico to conduct surveys for the presence of the bat aboard the base, said Maj. Peter Baker, deputy director of Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Branch.

Using a device called an Anabat bat detector, researchers from Virginia Tech detected the presence of the NLEB aboard the base, said Tim Stamps, MCBQ natural resources manager. From that point, more detailed surveys became necessary to determine specifically where the bats are located.

As described on the USFWS website, “The northern long-eared bat is a medium-sized bat with a body length of 3 to 3.7 inches but a wingspan of 9 to 10 inches. Their fur color can be medium to dark brown on the back and tawny to pale-brown on the underside.  As its name suggests, this bat is distinguished by its long ears.”

NREA is currently working with researchers from Virginia Tech and representatives from multiple units and agencies aboard the base to determine the impact the bat’s presence will have on training and operations. According to Baker, “we can’t use smoke in any bat areas or until bats are proven not to be there.” Construction projects may also be placed on hold until the exact locations of bat nesting sites are known.

Though the bats often nest and give birth to their young in trees, Ron Moyer, head forester for NREA’s Forestry Section, surprisingly said his “initial impression is it [the federal listing] won’t affect forestry operations that much.” However, Moyer also stated that the forestry staff are just “starting to learn what we need to do.”

Forest management operations “maintain a healthy forest environment on base,” said Moyer. “Aging trees fall and create a wildfire hazard, and management reduces that.” Selling logging permits for certain timber units during specified periods reduces the fire hazard and financially sustains the forestry program, covering the cost of all equipment.

Trees within known bat areas cannot be removed during the bats’ nesting period of mid-April through mid-September. However, according to Moyer, logging contracts aren’t awarded until the end of September, and contracted logging companies should be able to get all their logging done between October and April.

— Writer: ebaker@quanticosentryonline.com