Farm Bureau Disappointed In Listing Of Northern Long-Eared Bat As Threatened Species

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Thursday said it was disappointed and concerned with a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the Northern Long-Eared Bat as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, because it could place limitations on farm families across the state.  

The FWS listing of the Northern Long-Eared Bat has nothing to do with farming practices, rather it is linked to a fungal disease known as white nose syndrome, which has caused a decline in the bat population.  

“Farmers are seeking clarification of the interim rule, because it isn’t clear how it will treat the lawful use of crop protection tools, including pesticides,” said PFB President Rick Ebert.  “The interim rule does not explicitly exempt lawful pesticide use by farmers, even though Fish and Wildlife Service proposals make it clear that pesticides are not a factor in the decline of the Northern Long-Eared Bat population.”

In September 2014, PFB testified before a U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources that the endangered species designation would likely have a negative impact on agriculture.  

“Farmers would not be able to renovate barns, cut down trees or potentially use herbicides and pesticides, which are already regulated by the state and federal government. It could also hinder the ability of farmers to put wind turbines or natural gas wells on their property,” added Ebert.

Farm Bureau is hopeful that FWS’s final (4d) rule clearly establishes that lawful agricultural activities, including those involving pesticides, are permitted."