How this may impact you :

Tree removal is most often the first step in project work, but more severe tree restrictions will likely cause timeline delays. Our team will need to perform additional research and investigatory steps in order to secure proper permitting, meaning more time will be added to your overall scope.

The USFWS has determined a shortened construction window in alignment with the NLEB’s hibernation schedule. Our goal is to keep your project moving forward as efficiently as possible; we recommend planning ahead to minimize delays and stay within regulations. As your partner, we will oversee the process and keep you up to date on any changes.

It is not advised to conduct any tree clearing work between April 1 – September 30 unless you have sign off from IDNR and USFWS that bats are not likely to occur in the area.

Our Wetland group will help coordinate this on your behalf. Additionally, any tree clearing of 10 acres or more is strictly prohibited without direct coordination with USFWS.

April 1 - September 30

Construction activities that involve tree clearing activities should not occur without T&E sign-off.

June 1 - July 31

Tree clearing activities are prohibited during the NLEB pup season.

October 1 - March 30

Winter tree clearing is acceptable.

Additional Timing Considerations

Added due diligence will be necessary to secure increased permitting. When planning projects, we need to factor in more time for research and investigation by our Natural Resource engineers. While we cannot give an exact estimate of how much more time this will take, planning ahead will put you in the best possible scenario.

ABOUT THE NORTHERN LONG EARED BAT (NLEB)

Bats play important roles in our ecosystem by eating pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. The northern long-eared bat is one of several endangered bat species, and without these mammals of the night, many ecosystems will suffer.

37 States and 8 provinces across North America are home to the NLEB

97-100% of the NLEB population has declined across the species’ range

THREATED VS. ENDANGERED SPECIES

“Threatened” and “endangered” are two different risk levels to a species’ survival. Endangered is the highest classification, giving the affected species automatic protection against harm to its existence. There are approximately 2,150 total species currently under protection of the Endangered Species Act.

$1 billion savings in pesticide costs based on annual bat eating habits