Project Description: Roosting sites are important features of summer habitat for most bat species in New England. Bats can roost in groups or solitary. Groups of bats are often maternity colonies for raising young. Solitary roosting can be during the day or for short resting periods during night-time foraging. Males are more likely to be found solitary roosting. Tree snags and loose bark are the common roost types, yet tri-colored bats tend to roost within clusters of dead leaves. Bats may also use man-made structures such as building (both attics and basements), with little brown bats and big brown bats regularly occurring in buildings.
MIMA resource managers need information on the presence of bats at the park to inform the mitigation and timing of potential building removal (17 structures), hazard tree removal near park trails and required regulatory consultations. Understanding which species are likely to be present in these areas would allow more tailored project timing and appropriate mitigation according to the life histories of these species. There is need to determine how frequently and when bats are using these specific habitat features within the park.
The goal of this project will be to assess bat species presence within Minute Man National Historical Park and enhance understanding of how bats are using specific habitat features within the park. The park needs presence/absence information for bats for the areas noted above: sites of future
building demolitions (17 anticipated) and major trails and adjacent public areas subject to hazard tree management (approximately 5 linear miles). While bat surveys have not been conducted in the park, spatial data on wetlands, vegetation, buildings and trails can be provided.
Lead Principal Investigator: Tracy Rittenhouse, University of Connecticut
Partner Institution: University of Connecticut
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Federal Agency Technical Contact: Lisa Nelson
Start Year: 2024
End Year: 2026
Initial Funding Amount: $51,931.12
Federal Grant Number: P24AC00645
Products Associated with this Project:
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