NEWS

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a final rule to reclassify the northern long-eared bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The final rule will appear in the Federal Register tomorrow and becomes effective on January 30, 2023.

Earlier this year, Decorative Hardwoods Association and the Hardwood Federation commented on the proposed reclassification, highlighting how forestry helps bat populations. Re‑designating the bat as endangered will trigger land-use restrictions that could hinder timber harvesting operations in 38 states. 

DHA will continue to work with the Hardwood Federation and other industry interests through implementation processes to reduce any adverse impacts from the listing while protecting the bats.

Resources:

1. Decorative Hardwoods Association 
2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services - FAQs
3. Federal Register
4. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services - Press release

Photo © Dave Redell, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources