An Evaluation of the Status of Myotine Bats in the Proposed Meramec Park Lake and Union Lake Project Areas, Missouri

LaVal, Richard K.; Clawson, Richard L.; Caire, William; Wingate, Lloyd R.; LaVal, Margaret L.

An Evaluation of the Status of Myotine Bats in the Proposed Meramec Park Lake and Union Lake Project Areas, Missouri

1977

LaVal, Richard K. | Clawson, Richard L. | Caire, William | Wingate, Lloyd R. | LaVal, Margaret L.

An eighteen-month field study of the endangered species Myotis sodalis (Indiana bat) and Myotis grisescens (gray bat) in the Meramec River Basin of eastern Missouri was carried out to determine: (1) numbers and locations of populations of the endangered bats in the Meramec Basin, (2) the seriousness of the impact of the proposed Meramec Park Lake and Union Lake on the bats, and (3) means by which projected negative impacts may be eliminated or reduced. Significant populations of M. sodalis (ca. 100,000) and M. grisescens (ca. 50,000) still exist in the area containing and adjoining the proposed lakes. Of 19 caves judged to be important to the bats, four will be destroyed by the lakes and eight seriously impacted. A maximum of 177 km of M. grisescens foraging habitat (streams) will be destroyed, as will much of the flood plain and hillside forest used by M. sodalis. Caves can be at least partially protected by gates and fences, and wise habitat preservation and management can help preserve foraging areas. Caves formerly used by the endangered bats can be restored to their use. However, even though protection and wise management can at least partially offset the serious impacts of the lakes, certain serious impacts will remain. We believe that if all of these potential impacts are to be avoided, the only just solution is a decision not to build the lakes.

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