BATS! – What’s the “Bat Window” and How Can It Affect Your Project?
Before the start of any construction project, there are many environmental due diligence details that should be addressed and planned for. Along with costs, professionally prepared plans and permits, and nature-related restrictions need to be part of the discussion. One such restriction involves land clearing as it relates to the natural habitat of bats.
Ohio’s Bat Window: When to Schedule Tree Removal
In the state of Ohio, if you are planning land clearing, the USFWS recommends that it occur between October 1st and March 31st to accommodate the “bat window”. This is further supported by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which protects and regulates the harm to species that occur in low numbers within the state.
Why Timing Matters for Commercial Land Clearing
The reason for the date range is that bats typically hibernate over the winter in caves and abandoned mines and are less likely to be affected by land clearing. Summer roosting habitats take effect in the late spring and summer months when bats roost in live or dead tree cavities, crevices, and under loose bark, putting them at risk if trees are being cleared.
The trees with the highest bat “residency” tend to be oaks and maples, but some species roost in hickory, elm, ash, and occasionally pine trees.
When Is a Bat Survey Required?
For any federally funded project or project that requires federal permits where land clearing is proposed between April 1st and September 30th in Ohio, an ODNR-approved bat survey should be performed to determine the presence or probable absence of bats.
Timing and Requirements for Tree Surveying
Mist net surveys are conducted between June 1st and August 15th. Failure to conduct an ecological survey will require strict adherence to the tree-clearing date restriction.
Validity of a Tree Survey’s Findings
If a survey is conducted and the probable absence of federally and state-listed endangered bats is recorded, the findings are valid for a period of five years, and land clearing will be permitted outside the standard time frame.
Your Ecological Services Partner for Navigating Environmental Regulations
As you can see, failure to properly plan for the bat window can significantly delay the start or progression of your project costing both time and money.
The team at EDG is committed to protecting the environment and is knowledgeable about this restriction and many others. We are here to help and can assist in connecting you with the appropriate agencies to answer your questions. Contact us for more information or explore how our services can support your project.