NAASF State Lands Management Committee Meeting November 4-6, 2014 Indianapolis, Indiana Northern Long-eared Bat: Conservation Challenges and Options for Conservation Action, a FS Overview

Past/Present/Future an Overview Where we have been Where we are at And where we are going…

Our Commitment The USDA Forest Service is committed to the conservation of the Northern Long-eared bat and to managing for habitat conditions that support its recovery.

Active Forest Management is Essential FS works to sustain, restore and promote the health and resiliency of National Forest System lands and waters – requires active management – issues cross all ownerships and demand an all-lands approach

Forest Plans The management of National Forest System lands are guided by Land and Resource Management Plans year strategy documents

Managing for Multiple-Uses National Forest System lands: Provide countless benefits-ecological, recreational, economic, and cultural-to both nature and society Provide important habitat for wildlife and fish …in the face of existing and emerging threats

This NLEB, observed in Illinois, shows symptoms of white-nose syndrome. Photo by Steve Taylor; University of Illinois WNS is the Cause of the Decline NLEB is the first bat proposed as endangered due to white- nose syndrome (WNS). WNS has no known association with forest management. The FS is actively involved in and has made substantial investments in WNS research.

Active Forest Management is Essential Consequences of reducing active management: ↓ forest health ↑ fuel loads and ↑ wildfire probability - affects to other T&E ↓ habitat quality for rare species - economic effects ↓ early-successional habitats

Conserving Ecosystems ESA (sec 2(b)) - conserve ecosystems upon which threatened and endangered species depend Inherent focus of forest plans, results in proactive conservation actions that benefit NLEB Collaborative restoration approach at a landscape scale is the best strategy

Past – Where we have been Commissioned a Regional “Bat Team” – Developed a conservation approach Active involvement with National WNS Response efforts – Conservation & Recovery WG – Communication & Outreach WG Cave and mine closures Regional WNS Response Plan

Present – Where we are at Active participation and involvement – States NLEB Meeting – Three FWS Teams – WNS Working Groups Developing a region-wide Conference Report for submission to FWS Continued emphasis on WNS research Finalizing a set of broad-based conservation measures for tree- roosting bats – Consideration of additional beneficial management actions to complement those already in forest plans Actively conferencing with the FWS – Multi-step approach – No jeopardy determination expected – Formal conferencing to convert to Biological Opinion once listed

Future – Where we are going… Transitioning from Conference to Consultation Utilizing the conservation measures as a tool and resource Determining the appropriate scale at which to undertake future consultations

In Summary The FS is committed to the protection and recovery of the NLEB The threat is WNS, no links to forest management FS uses an all-lands, ecosystem approach and manages habitats for a variety of species FS is taking a multi-step approach to address declining bat populations FS will collaborate with our state, Tribal, federal, industry and NGO partners to conserve all species

Questions?

Contact Information Brandon Hartleben Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Biologist (414) or Nancy J. Ross Director, Renewable Resources (414)

All-Lands Approach Fosters up-front collaboration Addresses shared issues and concerns Increases mutual understanding of complex issues Will ground planning and management within the context of the broader landscape

FS Perspective on Potential Effects If Interim Guidance were incorporated into Terms and Conditions there would be significant impacts. ↓ ability to manage habitat for other TES Current IG more restrictive than Ibat NLEB has extensive range – some forest plans do not have Ibat standards – most do not include seasonal limitations