Indiana Bat
The Jail Review Committee met Monday afternoon to discuss the bat situation. Steve Maloney, of Griggs & Maloney Engineering & Environmental Consultants, proposed going into mediation with TWRA to resolve the problem about endangered bats on county land. The endangered Indiana Bat could be on the same property that the county wants to use for the new jail on the Hillsboro Highway.
The Committee made and passed a motion to allow Maloney to proceed forward if the cost was not to exceed $5,000. The TWRA determined that there were 70 trees on the property that could be homes to the Indiana Bat.
Since June is the birthing season and the young bats need at least 30 days to fly, the TWRA probably would not allow removal of trees before July 15 under any circumstances.
