Bat and Wind Energy Research

This funding opportunity is investigate spring and fall migration patterns of Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) and summer habitat distributions of Indiana and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis). Over the past several years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of terrestrial wind energy projects that have been proposed or are being constructed and operated within the range of the Indiana bat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is often engaged with these projects through the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation or Section 10 incidental take permitting processes. A challenge for biologists is to evaluate the impact of these wind projects on migrating bats. Spring and fall bat migration studies will further understanding of migration patterns and summer habitat distribution. Given that Indiana bats have high site fidelity at winter and summer locations, both spring and fall telemetry projects will provide valuable information about migratory patterns. . However, most known Indiana bat fatalities at wind facilities have occurred during fall migration, yet much of the currently available migration information is during the spring period. Therefore, this funding opportunity focuses the majority of funding on tracking Indiana bats from their summer habitat to winter hibernacula in order to enhance our understanding of behavioral patterns during the fall period. Financial assistance will be awarded for projects that address two separate studies: (1) Fall Migration Study (to be conducted fall 2014) and (2) Spring Migration Study (to be conducted spring 2015). These studies will be funded through two separate awards with separate periods of performance. Applicants may apply for just one or both awards; each study requires a separate and complete proposal. The two awards may or may not be awarded to the same applicant. A total estimated amount of $200,000 for the fall migration study and $50,000 for the spring migration study may be awarded under this announcement. FY2013 funding has been allocated for these awards (note to Federal applicants: these are two-year funds that expire September 30, 2014). Before submitting a proposal, please carefully review all the information and instructions in this notice of funding availability.