Northern Long-Eared Bat Listed as Threatened

Effective May 4, 2015, the Northern Long-eared (NLE) bat was given protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); this in response to the growing concern over the decimating effect the White Nose-Syndrome is having on the species in many areas of the U.S. The threatened species status, although not as stringent as protections provided under the endangered status, can limit activities conducted by landowners, land managers, utility companies, and government agencies. Also effective on the day the threatened status went in to effect is an interim rule under section 4(d) of the ESA. The interim rule clarifies prohibited purposeful taking, which can including removal of the species habitat, of NLE bat and provides exemptions for certain activities. Please share how this new listing is affecting your project. The final rule published in the Federal Register can be accessed here: http://tinyurl.com/lpehaqt.