The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to give their two cents worth on proposed rules to save cave bats in our state from the fatal white-nose syndrome disease. Those nocturnal critters help control pests that harm crops, forests, and people.
According to the DNR, Wisconsin has the largest concentration of bats in the upper Midwest and, for now, the bat population is healthy and hearty. In just three years, the deadly disease has spread across the eastern U.S. and Canada. It is now about 200 to 300 miles from Wisconsin’s borders, and headed in this direction.
The DNR will hold public hearings on the proposed bat rules to keep the problem at bay. Hearings will be held via video conference with participation available at four Wisconsin locations, including Green Bay, Madison, Eau Claire, and Wausau.
The DNR public hearings on November 29 (Monday) beginning at 11 a.m. with participation available at the locations listed below.
- Green Bay – Green Bay State Office Building, Room 618, 200 North Jefferson St.
- Madison – The Pyle Center, Room 315, 702 Langdon St.
- Eau Claire – Division of State Facilities, Eau Claire State Office Building, Room 139, 718 W Clairemont Ave.
- Wausau – UW Marathon County, Room 218, 518 S. 7th Ave.