Bentonville’s Bat Mitigation Efforts for Interstate 49 Interchange Project
The City of Bentonville is taking significant steps to protect the bat habitat in the area affected by the planned Interstate 49 interchange project. The city has decided to pay 4,931 to purchase bat mitigation credits from The Conservation Fund.
This financial commitment is part of an effort to ensure that the project’s tree clearing does not harm the endangered bat species in the region. The area undergoing development is home to various bats, including the endangered tricolored bats and the northern long-eared bats, which have suffered significant population declines due to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease.
The J Street Interchange Project is part of Bentonville’s master street plan, aiming to split the nearly 4 miles of interstate between the Central Ave exit and the Bella Vista Bypass. This project will add a new entry point into the city through north Bentonville near Crystal Bridges and the Slaughter Pen trails.
The city has found a variety of bats inhabiting the 32 acres of wooded area designated for the project. Blake Sasse, an expert with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, noted that these bats often sleep in trees, particularly under loose bark or dead leaves. To mitigate the impact of tree clearing, the city plans to only remove trees during the bats’ inactive seasons.
The funds will be used through the In-Lieu Fee Program by The Conservation Fund, ensuring that at least 50 acres of high-quality bat habitat elsewhere in Arkansas are preserved. This conservation effort not only benefits bats but also complements other environmental goals, such as protecting recreational trails and historical sites, and safeguarding watersheds.
- Endangered bat species: Northern long-eared bats and tricolored bats found in the area.
- Population decline: Both species have suffered significant population losses due to white-nose syndrome.
- Credit purchase: Bentonville pays 4,931 for bat mitigation credits to minimize habitat disruption.
- Environmental process: Ensuring tree clearing occurs during the bats’ inactive seasons to avoid harm.
- Conservation initiative: Funds support preserving 50 acres of high-quality bat habitats elsewhere in Arkansas through The Conservation Fund’s In-Lieu Fee Program.
The financial investment reflects Bentonville’s commitment to balancing development needs with environmental responsibilities, aiming to ensure both progress and conservation outcomes. This initiative underscores the city’s dedication to protecting its natural resources while evolving its infrastructure.
