Last week, NASF submitted comments to US Fish and Wildlife regarding the potential listing of northern long‐eared bat as an endangered species. The letter outlined concerns about regulations that may be imposed on forestland owners that will have little to no effect on the cause of the bat's diminishing numbers due to the fungus‐caused disease, white‐nose syndrome.
NASF took the opportunity to comment on how important it is to balance protection with ensuring the regulations meant to help the bat do not result in accelerated forest loss, due to financial burdens placed on the landowner. The letter closed with support for the National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies, and Tribes in Managing White‐Nose Syndrome in Bats, which promotes a coordinated effort towards addressing this issue.