Based on life history information and available literature for Indiana bats (e.g., average foraging distances and occupied forest patch sizes), the Service believes that it is unlikely that an isolated forest stand of 10 acres or less would provide sufficient resources for an Indiana bat (click here for more information). However, available data indicate that Indiana bats may infrequently use isolated patches as small as 5.6 acres (Keith Lott, personal communication). The Michigan Ecological Services Field Office believes a conservative minimum patch size of 5 acres is appropriate for Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats (NLEB). Although listed bats rarely traverse non-forested areas of 1000 feet or more, they are frequently observed using vegetated corridors, such as tree lines, to travel between suitable forest patches. Because these corridors may connect important foraging and roosting habitats, removal of tree lines and similar corridors could severely fragment habitat and result in adverse effects or indirect take of listed bats. (Refer to the Indiana Bat Section 7 Section 7
Section 7 Consultation
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.
Learn more about Section 7 and Section 10 Guidance for Wind Energy Projects, available here).