Environment DEC
From the August 2006 issue
DEC Protects Bat Hibernaculum in the Adirondacks
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced the first project funded from the state's Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). LIP is a new collaborative initiative between DEC and landowners to protect the habitat of at-risk species on private lands-in this case, endangered Indiana bats that hibernate in Graphite Mine in the Adirondacks. The program is funded by a grant from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"Hibernaculum" Gates Repaired
DEC repaired gates at the entrance of Graphite Mine to protect this bat wintering site, one of the most critical in the Northeast. This is the first of six Indiana bat sites that will be gated by DEC, and the first LIP-funded activity for the state. From the late 1800s to 1920, Graphite Mine was the chief source of graphite for the country. The site is now the winter home, or "hibernaculum," of an estimated 180,000 bats, including approximately 200 endangered Indiana bats, small-footed bats, and thousands of little and large brown bats, eastern pipistrelles and other species.
Nearly 180,000 bats hibernate together in the Graphite Mine in the Adirondacks
The privately-owned Graphite Mine had originally been gated by The Nature Conservancy and Bat Conservation International in 1997. Since then, several new holes had opened up, both as a result of erosion and due to illegal digging and trespass. With the landowner's permission and LIP funding, DEC performed the necessary repairs.
Protecting Endangered Bat Species
Bats are most vulnerable when they are hibernating. Human intrusion stirs and wakes up the bats, causing them to deplete their fat supplies at an accelerated rate and reducing their chances of surviving the winter. Gating hibernacula entrances to prevent trespass is one of the chief measures of protecting bat species. Additionally, gates prevent human access to dangerous and unstable mines, reducing chances of serious accidents. Gates allow bats to pass through, don't interfere with air circulation, and prevent unauthorized access.
Future LIP Projects
Federally-funded, LIP is restricted to projects that benefit species of greatest conservation need, as identified in the state's Wildlife Action Plan. In the future, LIP is expected to expand to protect dwindling grassland habitat of the endangered bog turtle and other important habitats of ecological concern. See "Related Links" below for more information on this topic.
