Bats in Indiana are under threat from a mysterious fungal disease sweeping through numerous bat species and decimating populations. As a result, caves on state properties will temporarily close as a precaution against the uncontrolled spread of white-nosed syndrome (WNS), which is killing bats in record numbers in the eastern United States.

There are no known human health risks associated with WNS in bats. While the actual cause of WNS is unknown, scientists are reasonably certain it is transmitted from bat to bat. WNS has been found in caves a significant distance from WNS-affected hibernacula, however, leading scientists to suspect humans may inadvertently carry the fungus from cave to cave where bats hibernate.

“Although we have not seen this disease in Indiana, the responsible thing to do is close our caves to help slow expansion of WNS,” said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Robert E. Carter Jr., in announcing the decision. “Scientists need time to get a handle on the problem and solve it.”

The voluntary action became effective May 1 and closes public access to all caves, sinkholes, tunnels and abandoned mines on DNR-owned land, except Twin Caves at Spring Mill State Park. Twin Caves is able to remain open because it is a water cave with controlled boat access only, and the WNS fungus settles in soil.
The closures extend through April 2010 and follow similar steps taken elsewhere in response to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) advisory asking cavers to curtail cave activities in WNS-affected states and adjoining states. The Hoosier National Forest has closed all caves, as has the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“As WNS spreads, it threatens bat populations not only in the northeastern United States, but in the Midwest as well,” said FWS Regional Director Tom Melius. “The Service strongly supports Indiana’s proactive approach to safeguard the state’s bats.
“The Hoosier state is home to critically important hibernacula for endangered bats, and we believe Indiana’s action is a significant step in keeping white-nose at bay as we work together toward a solution.”

Three commercial cave operations – Blue Springs Caverns, Marengo Cave and Squire Boone Caverns – will remain open, and the DNR and the FWS are working with those businesses to develop appropriate steps to minimize the spread of WNS. The DNR also is working with owners of private caves where significant bat hibernacula are known to exist, to encourage them to close access.
The population density of bat species in the southern part of Indiana, especially the federally endangered Indiana bat, prompted the cave closures on DNR sites.

“We have a really strong reason to be cautious,” said Katie Smith, head of DNR’s Wildlife Diversity Section. “Indiana has thousands of cave-dwelling bats, and this devastating disease puts them all at risk. Bats are important to our ecosystem and natural heritage, and we must take every reasonable precaution to protect them.”

The disease got its name from affected bats appearing to have a white substance on their heads, often around their noses, and on their wings. WNS has killed an estimated 500,000 bats from Vermont to West Virginia and continues unchecked. In some hibernacula, there have been 90-100 percent mortality.

WNS was first recorded in 2006 in a cave near Albany, N.Y., and within two years had spread to Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Bat deaths were confirmed this past winter in at least seven states, including new outbreaks in Virginia and West Virginia.
For more information, go online to www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5404.htm

Map tracks emerald ash borer

Information on which Indiana counties and townships are under state quarantine for regulated wood products because of the emerald ash borer insect (EAB) is available on a new interactive map on the DNR website.

The map was developed by DNR personnel using Global Information Systems (GIS) technology and shows areas confirmed by the USDA and the DNR to have EAB. The map will be updated monthly and uses roads, aerial photos or topographical maps as backgrounds. Users can zoom in on the location desired.
A state EAB quarantine means regulated material may be moved within the affected township and county but cannot be moved out of the township and county unless the shipper has a compliance agreement with the DNR, or the material has been mitigated and is incapable of spreading EAB.

Regulated materials include the EAB in any living stage of development, any ash tree, limb, branch or debris of an ash tree of at least 1 inch in diameter, ash log or untreated ash lumber with bark attached or cut firewood of any hardwood species. The quarantine applies to private individuals as well as commercial enterprises.

In addition to the state quarantine, all of Indiana is under federal quarantine for EAB, which means ash related material cannot legally be moved out of the state without proper documentation.
Regardless of whether people are in quarantined areas, the best way to avoid spreading EAB is to not move firewood across county lines. The DNR recommends people buy firewood where they intend to use it, and burn it completely. The map may be found at www.IN.gov/dnr/entomolo/5349.htm

For more information about EAB, visit Purdue University’s website at www.entm.purdue.edu/EAB

World War II Days Saturday

World War II Days are coming to Fort Harrison State Park on May 16-17 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featured events include weapons demonstrations, a simulated grenade toss for kids, an indoor display honoring veterans and a tactical battle reenactment on May 16 at 2 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside the Visitors Center. Food will be available for purchase. The program is open to the public.

There is no fee for the program; however, park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.