From now on we will consider assessment and modification of mine grates to allow bats to use potential mine h abitat. I am doing several closures this summer and all will now have 'bat grates' installed. Many Bats and Mines recipients have never before read about the importance of bats. Once they begin to learn, their curiosity often expands to broader bat conservati on issues. Regional workshops have proven to be one of our most effective ways to approach this task.
Participants learn gating techniques and how to assess mines for the presence of bats.
More importantly, they have the opportunity to meet colleagues who face co mmon problems, an interaction that often leads to the development of cooperative solutions. BCI, federal and state agencies, and a local association will all work together to assess Michigan's mines for bats and to protect those we find. A portion of the EPA funds will also be spent to erect a bat gate at the abandoned Cyclops Mine, a critical hibernation site for nearly 70,000 bats. Another BCI workshop graduate, Bobbie Scott of Washington State, was responsible for the protection of two abandoned mines this spring. Bobbie alerted us in March when she discovered that demolition was slated for a mine on state park land that she kne w had resident bats.