Bat-compatible closures of abandoned underground mines in national park system units

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:613828

Burghardt, J E ^[1]

---

1. National Park Service, Lakewood, CO (United States)

Because bat habitat is threatened by increased urban development, deforestation, and exploitation of caves, abandoned mines have become critical to the survival of numerous bat species. To date, the National Park Service has placed 71 bat-compatible closures in 11 parks. Habitat surveys for bats and other species are an integral part of the abandoned mine inventory process. When surveys outside mines slated for closure reveal potential habitat, qualified wildlife biologists accompanied by experienced abandoned mine safety personnel conduct internal surveys. Several internal surveys are often useful to determine various species using a mine for different purposes through the seasons of the year. Once the determination is made that a mine slated for closure merits habitat preservation, gates are designed to suit the specific needs of resident species. Construction takes place in a season when the mine is uninhabited, or at a time and in a manner that will cause the least disturbance. The National Park Service and Bat Conservation International recently developed an interpretive warning sign which attempts to prevent vandalism of bat gates by educating the public on the potential hazards inside the mine, the value of bats in ecosystems, and the importance of bat conservation efforts. These signs are available through Bat Conservation International.

• OSTI ID: 613828
• Report Number(s): CONF-9705128--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
42 ENGINEERING
ABANDONED SHAFTS
BATS
CLOSURES
ECOLOGY
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
HABITAT
PUBLIC LANDS
REMEDIAL ACTION
UNDERGROUND MINING