reduce a species' existing distribution (FSM 2670.5). 



Additionally, the Endangered Species Act Section 7 (a)(2) mandates 

 the assurance by any federal agency that any of its actions "is not 

 likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or 

 threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse 

 modification of (its) habitat" (Finch 1992). 



There are presently 14 species of bats in Montana (Thortpson 1982). 

 Three of these, the Townsend's big-eared bat (Plecotus tounsendli) , 

 the Spotted bat (Euderma maculatun ) , and the Pallid bat (Antrozous 

 pallidus) are listed as sensitive species by USFS Region 1 (Mumma 

 1991). In addition to these three species, the Fringed myotis (Myotis 

 thysanodes) and the ^k^rthem long-legged myotis (ttyotis 

 septentrionalis) are also listed as species of special concern by the 

 Montana Natural Heritage Program (Center 1993). Several other 

 species have localized distribution in Montana. Relatively little 

 work has been done in the state to inventory species' distributicxis, 

 densities, and populaticn trends to date. 



As the U.S. Forest Service has a responsibility to manage for species 

 viability on Forest lands, as required by the previously mentioned 

 legislation and rules, and as relatively little is known oonoeming 

 bats in Montana, and several Mcntana species are listed as sensitive 

 by the USFS and by the Montana Natural Heritage Program, the 

 biologist for the Deerlodge National Forest in southwestern Montana 



