Comments Sought on Plan to Combat Deadly White-Nose Syndrome in Bats

White-nose syndrome (WNS) has killed more than a million bats in the Northeast and has spread to 11 or more states in less than four years since its discovery near Albany, New York. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with other federal and state agencies, and tribal governments, is proposing a coordinated national management plan to address this critical environmental issue. The proposed plan is available for review and comment beginning October 28, 2010.

The proposed plan, a joint federal-state effort, provides a framework for WNS investigation and response. A subsequent implementation plan will identify specific actions, the entities responsible for implementation of each action, and estimated costs.