MARQUETTE — Forest landowners are invited to join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 15 in the Marquette Township Community Center, 1000 Commerce Drive, to learn about new bat conservation requirements that follow recent listings under the federal Endangered Species Act.

DNR and USFWS staff will discuss options that can reduce harm to bat species during management activities such as logging. Bat populations are in decline due to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease. The Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat are listed as federally endangered, with several other cave-dwelling species at risk.

The meeting is open to everyone.

A virtual attendance option will be available. For more information, visit the DNR Bat Habitat Conservation Plan webpage or contact Keith Kintigh, acting wildlife planning and adaptation section supervisor, 517-219-2074; John DePue, wildlife habitat biologist, 906-353-6651; and Jennifer Kleitch, endangered species specialist, 989-370-2158.