population numbers and density; 



2) Significant current or predicted downward trends in 

 habitat capability that would reduce a species' 

 existing distribution" (Reel et al. 1989). 



In 1992, Jean LaVelle, the biologist for the Townsend 

 District of the Helena National Forest contacted me about 

 conducting several nights of bat surveys on the Townsend 

 Ranger District near Townsend, Montana, to document species 

 occurrence and relative densities for use in Forest 

 management decisions. The results of these studies are 

 presented here. 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 



Field work for this study was performed by Tom Butts with 

 the assistance of Michelle Brown and Jeremy Butts. Dave 

 Genter of the Montana Natural Heritage Program provided 

 direction, suggestions, editing of reports, field 

 assistance, equipment, and bat identification. Funding for 

 the study was provided by the Townsend Ranger District and 

 the Montana Natural Heritage Program. 



