Fowler, Ind. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the owners of the Fowler Ridge I Wind Farm in Benton County, Ind., have announced they are working together to develop a plan to reduce the potential impacts of wind power generation on bats. The effort follows the discovery of a dead Indiana bat at the wind facility.

The bat was discovered late last year. After a preliminary identification, the facility operator, BP Wind Energy, reported the discovery to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Subsequent examination by the service and genetic tests at independent labs confirmed the species as an Indiana bat, a federally endangered species.

“We commend the wind farm owners for taking a proactive approach to work with the Service,” said Lynn Lewis, the service’s Midwest assistant regional director. “With wind power playing an increasing role in meeting the country’s energy needs, we embrace opportunities to partner with companies providing renewable energy while reducing the impact to wildlife.”

The wind facility, located in west central Indiana, is owned by BP Wind Energy and Dominion.

In securing permitting for the wind facility, the owners of wind farm conducted due diligence wildlife surveys and consulted with all necessary state and federal wildlife agencies. Through these efforts it was concluded that development of the wind farm represented a very low risk for bats in general and the Indiana bat in particular. The wind farm is located in an area where Indiana bats were not knownto roost during the summer or hibernate during winter. Based on the timing of the discovery, it appears the bat was migrating.

The Indiana bat ranges through most of the eastern United States, hibernating in groups in caves and mines during the winter. About half of all Indiana bats hibernate in caves in southern Indiana. Females form maternity colonies under the bark of large trees during the summer, where they raise their young. Like most bats in the eastern United States, Indiana bats are significant consumers of insects, including agricultural pests.

With this new information the service will work with wind facilities within the range of the Indiana bat with a goal to minimize the impact on the mammals during the summer maternity period, near hibernation sites and during migration while facilitating the production of wind energy.

Indianapolis — The Friends of Broad Ripple Park is a newly-founded organization with a passion and appreciation for the park and its many amenities. Its members are dedicating themselves to providing support for the park, its programs, its facilities and its future.

To better guide its activities, the friends' group is asking Broad Ripple neighbors to complete a brief survey about how they already use the park and what they'd like to see in the there in the future. You can take the survey online or download a PDF version, or visit the park office to complete a survey on paper.

Bloomington, Ind. — Eagle Watch Weekend returns Feb. 5 through 7 for its 10th anniversary celebration. This year, it will be at Eagle Pointe Resort, just minutes from Lake Monroe, the birdwatching capital of Indiana.

The weekend will start off with the 6th Annual Eagle Watch bird count and finish up the day with the ever-popular Owl Prowl.

Saturday will feature outings for birders of all skill levels; two programs “just for the kids;” tours to view eagles in the wild; and a presentation with live birds of prey by the always funny and highly educational folks at Return to the Wild. Saturday will also be the Eagle Watch Weekend debut of celebrated birdsong recordist, Geoff Keller’s new CD, Bird Songs of the Brown County Hill Country, and a special commemorative Eagle Watch Weekend ornament by artist Joanne Kelly.

Sunday will feature yet another outing, more programs, and a preview of a new event coming this spring featuring the “Dean of Birdsong,”world-renowned ornithologist, Donald Kroodsma.

Anyone can attend any or all parts of the event for $10 for adults and $4 for youth ages 12 and under. Walk-ins are always welcome, but due to limited space, pre-registration is highly recommended.

For details, or call 812-275-5708.

Cayuga, Ind. — Wildlife law enforcement agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are investigating the shooting of an endangered whooping crane near the town of Cayuga in central Vermillion County.
The crane was shot sometime between Saturday, Nov. 28, when it was observed by an International Crane Foundation staff member, and Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, when a volunteer found the carcass along West County Road 310 North, just west of North County Road 225 West.
A leg band identified the crane as the seven-year old mother of “Wild-1,” the only whooping crane chick successfully hatched in 2006 and migrated from captivity.
There are approximately 500 whooping cranes left in the world. The crane and its mate were among 19 whooping cranes migrating from their summer grounds in Wisconsin to their wintering grounds in Florida.
“To kill and abandon one of 500 remaining members of species shows a lack of reverence for life and an absence of simple common sense,” said John Christian, assistant regional director for migratory birds with the Fish and Wildlife Service. “It is inconceivable that someone would have such little regard for conservation.”
Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a minimum reward of $2,500 to the person or people who provide information leading to a conviction.
Anyone with information should call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources 24- hour hotline at: (800) 847-4367, or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at (317) 346-7016. Callers can remain anonymous.
In addition to the Endangered Species Act, whooping cranes are protected by state laws and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

“Call Before You Cut” is a new consumer protection campaign offered by the DNR Division of Forestry encouraging woodland owners to seek professional advice before harvesting timber. A quick toll-free call to 888-939-9493, provides an information kit and advice on positive harvesting practices. 

“If you’re thinking of harvesting trees, give us a call first to receive, A Landowner’s Guide for a Successful Harvest, at no cost.” said John Seifert, Indiana State Forester. “For any landowner considering harvesting timber, this packet provides important information to help assure the health and value of their woodlands.”

The information packet may also be obtained online at www.callB4Ucut.com. The Web site features information about Indiana’s harvesting rules and guidelines.

“Many variables, including age, maturity, overall forest health, market prices, and personal own goals and needs should be factored before harvesting timber,” Seifert said. “Make sure that your harvest is based on these aspects, and not just the size of the trees.”

Indiana has more than 4 million acres of privately owned woodlands, making up nearly 85 percent of all forestland in the state. Surveys show only a small fraction of woodland owners seek the advice of a professional forester when considering a timber harvest. Well managed family woodlands result from wise decisions.  Call for professional advice.

 The “Call Before You Cut” campaign is coordinated in Indiana by the DNR Division of Forestry. Additional program sponsors include the Society of American Foresters, the Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, The Nature Conservancy of Indiana, the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry program, and the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.