FINAL REPORT BAT STUDIES IN THE ASHLAND AND APPLEGATE DISTRICTS OF THE ROGUE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST

Transcription

1 FINAL REPORT BAT STUDIES IN THE ASHLAND AND APPLEGATE DISTRICTS OF THE ROGUE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST Stephen P. Cross Heidi Lauchstedt Meg Blankenship Department of Biology Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon Ph December, 1997

2 FINAL REPORT BAT STUDIES IN THE ASHLAND AND APPLEGATE DISTRICTS OF THE ROGUE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST Stephen P. Cross Heidi Lauchstedt Meg Blankenship Department of Biology Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon Ph December, 1997 INTRODUCTION Bats are recognized as important and unique components of many ecosystems, including the forests of the Pacific Northwest (Thomas, 1993). Knowledge of bats' role in the forest ecosystem is somewhat limited by lack of study. Among other functions, it is thought that bats have a substantial role in insect control and nutrient recycling (Christy and West 1993, Cross, 1988). Special techniques must be used to assess presence, habitat associations, and other aspects of the natural history of bats (Cross, 1986). Basic inventory of species occurring in an ecosystem or more limited areas of concern is necessary before changes in species presence or community composition can be detected. To my knowledge, no such systematic survey of bats found on the lands managed by the Rogue River National Forest (RRNF) has been conducted, although a few sites have been sampled (Maser and Cross, 1981; Cross, 1977). 1

3 Judging from broad coverage range maps, there are 12 species of bats that should occur in the Rogue River National Forest (Hall, 1981; Maser and Cross, 1981). Seven of the 12 hypothetically occurring species are listed as "sensitive" by the State of Oregon. Townsend's big-eared bat, Corynorhinus (Plecotus) 'townsendii (COTO) is considered "sensitive-critical.,, Both the pallid bat, Antrozous pallidus (ANPA), and the fringed myotis, Myotis thysanodes (MYTH), are listed as "sensitivevulnerable." The silver-haired bat, Lasionycteris noctivagans (LANO), long-eared myotis, Myotis evotis (MYEV), long-legged myotis, Myotis volans (MYVO) and Yuma myotis, Myotis yumanensis (MYYU)are listed as "sensitive-undetermined status." COTO is also a Forest Service "sensitive species." Relative to the Northwest Forest Plan, all of those listed above, except MYYU, are also specifically targeted as species for which additional protection will be provided in the "Record of Decision (ROD)" with attached "Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl" (Anon., 1994). Provisions of the standards and guidelines for bats are applicable to the management of matrix and Adaptive Management Areas. Other, non-listed species of bats whose known range include the RRNF are the California myotis, M. californicus (MYCA), little brown myotis, M. lucifugus (MYLU), hoary bat, Lasiurus cinereus (LACI), big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus (EPFU) and Brazilian free-tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis (TABR). Table 1 lists the species of bats with known ranges in the RRNF. The table also summarizes the listing status and 2

4 Table 1. Bat species whose range includes the Rogue River National Forest, their status and occurrence. Abbreviations for scientific names are given in the text above. US = Undetermined Status; V = Vulnerable; C = Critical. Oregon Forest Service NW Forest Presence Species Sensitive Sensitive Plan ROD Verified MYCA X MYEV US X X MYLU X MYTH V X X MYVO US X X MYYU US X LAC I X LANO US X X EPFU X COTO C X X X ANPA V X X TABR X occurrence of each of the species in the study area as verified during the present study. Surveying and monitoring of bats, both listed and unlisted, are difficult at best (Cross, 1986). Traditionally, bats have been inventoried by capturing with mist-nets over water holes or localized feeding areas and by capture and/or observation at roosting sites. While these techniques yield data concerning presence, they have some limitations in long-term monitoring. Two other techniques, radio-telemetry (radio-tracking) and sonar detection (using bat detectors) have increased our ability to detect and monitor some species, thus augmenting the traditional methods mentioned above. Specifically, radio- 3

5 telemetry can be used to track bats to previously unknown roosting sites so that populations can be censused (and possibly protected) at those sites. Sonar detection can potentially be used to detect bat presence in different areas or habitats with the possibility of identifying some species by their distinctive echolocati6n calls. Both of these techniques are continuing to be developed and currently need to be melded with proven traditional techniques to be useful for inventory, long-term monitoring and establishing species-habitat associations. Locating good sample sites is essential for the application of any of these techniques for long-term monitoring. Basic inventories of bats and monitoring sites has been undertaken in southern Oregon for Roseburg District BLM (Cross and Waldien, 1995), Medford District BLM (Cross and Waldien, 1994) and Winema National Forest and Klamath Resource Area of the Lakeview District BLM (Cross and Kerwin, 1995). In addition, preliminary studies have been conducted in southern Oregon to determine the efficacy of using echolocation calls as a means of inventorying bat species and to compile a catalog of calls (Cross and Harmes, 1996). One of the objectives of the current study is to augment the catalog of echolocation calls by collecting additional calls from selected species under a variety of conditions. Timber harvest has undoubtedly resulted in the loss of many roosting sites for forest dwelling bats. In an effort to mitigate those losses, a program of bat box construction and placement was undertaken with the cooperation of Southern Oregon University (S. Cross) and the Ashland and Applegate Ranger Districts of the Rogue River National Forest in 1992 (Taylor and 4

6 Brown, 1992). the Siskiyou National Forest. Also cooperating was the Chetco Ranger District of Preliminary results of those studies will be considered in this report in order to assess the efficacy of such efforts. To summarize, the study covered by this report was conducted in 1996 and had the following objectives: 1) Inventory for bats, emphasizing those species of special concern, within specific areas of the Ashland and Applegate Ranger Districts of the Rogue River National Forest. Of particular interest were the Ashland Research Natural Area and eight timber sale planning areas in the Applegate Adaptive Management Area. 2) Gather further data on echolocation calls of bats to complete a catalog for species occurring in southern Oregon. Use these calls to increase sample size for selected species to enable a more rigorous statistical analysis. 3) Determine the effectiveness of artificial roosts (bat boxes) that have been placed in various habitats to mitigate for the loss of roosting habitat from past management activities. 4) Work with Forest Service personnel in utilizing techniques used in bat capturing, identification procedures, and echolocation call recording and analysis. 5) As time permits, cooperate in radio-tracking some species of concern in areas of potential impact to determine their specific roosting site requirements. Field work was undertaken during the summer, Analysis of the data continued through the next year, with considerable effort devoted to examination of known and unknown echolocation calls. Most objectives were accomplished, with the exception of developing a key to echolocation calls that could be used to identify every recorded call. 5

7 METHODS AND MATERIALS Sampling Sites. Several factors were considered in the selection of sampling sites. Historic sites where bats had been either observed or captured were tabulated from records of Maser and Cross (1981), Cross (1977), Cross and Waldien (1994), personal records, and specimens from Southern Oregon University Museum of Vertebrate Natural History. Information regarding actual or potential roosting sites or capture sites was solicited from Forest Service personnel. Potential roosting sites included mines, tunnels, and bridges. Criteria for optimal pond mist-net sampling sites were conveyed to District Biologists. The criteria included pond access, surface size and shape, depth, impediments, isolation from other water sources and proximity of potential roosting sites. Three to five sites were identified in the ARNA and in each of eight timber sale planning areas of the Applegate Ranger District as potential sampling locations. These were sites for mist-net sampling such as drinking places, or roost sites such as caves, mines and bridges. Field reconnaissance provided information necessary to select two to four sites per area, to be sampled intensively. Dave Clayton compiled the list of potential sites and supplied field assistance during initial reconnaissance trips for the Applegate Ranger District. Fred Way and Martinian Prince helped in site selection for the ARNA. Potential sample sites were qualitatively rated and final selections for sampling were made by the principal investigator after considering additional input from Forest Service personnel and research associates, especially concerning potential impacts of planned management activities. Reconnaissance in the AAMA began in early-july. Actual 6

8 sampling began in mid-july and continued into October, 1996, at the rate of approximately three sites per week. To avoid seasonal and elevational biases, sampling generally began at low elevations and proceeded to higher elevations. Sampling generally rotated from area to area rather than attempting to complete all sites in a given area within a restricted seasonal time frame. Sample site priorities were adjusted as the field season progressed and new information became available. Some sites were sampled more than once to 1) look at seasonal variation; 2) take advantage of more favorable weather conditions; or 3) capture target species for radio-tracking. Field inventory took place from July 22 through October 7, Following similar protocol, sample sites were selected in or near the ARNA. Three sites were selected for mist-netting over water. Two abandoned mine shafts were sampled with a harp trap, one of them twice. Capture Methods. The principal capture technique was mistnetting at isolated water sources. This usually involved attempting to intercept bats with a mist net as they visited a water source (Cross, 1986). In most instances mist-netting was conducted for four hours after civil sunset. However, on nights with very little or no activity, netting was terminated earlier. In practice, termination time on those nights was any time after a minimum of three hours past civil sunset when no bats had been captured for the past hour. Mist nets were also used to capture bats as they came to roost under bridges. More often however, a wide-mouth insect (hand) net was used to capture bats at these sites. A few potential roost sites, such as caves and mines, were visually surveyed using a red-filtered light (Bagley and 7

9 Jacobs, 1985). A bat trap (Tuttle, 1974) was used at some cave/mine sites. Captured bats were identified, sexed, and aged (juvenile or adult) and reproductive condition determined. Most bats were marked by punch-marking (Bonaccorso and Smythe, 1972) and released. Some were retained temporarily to use as known species for recording echolocation calls. Others were retained permanently and prepared as voucher specimens to verify identification and new distribution records. Time of capture, plus/minus approximately three minutes, was also recorded at mist-net sites. Each capture/observation site was described in written form and a corresponding photograph was usually taken. Although focus was on the sensitive and ROD species, capture/observation data for other species were recorded and tabulated for addition to appropriate data bases. Recording and Analyzing Echolocation Calls. Anabat II sonar detectors (Titley Electronics, Ballina, N.S.W., Australia) and associated tape recorders were used to detect and record bat echolocation calls. The detector/recorder unit was usually used with a delay switch which allowed the tape recorder to be activated only when bat calls were being detected, thus allowing coverage of extended periods on a one-hour audio tape. This technique was used to sample calls at some sites simultaneously with capture or at other sites where no capture techniques were utilized. This technique was also occasionally used to determine if bats were active in a potential area for mist-netting or trapping. Bat detectors/tape recorders were also used to record calls of individuals of known species. An individual bat of known 8

10 identity was released in the direction of two field assistants approximately 20 m away. Flight of the bat was followed using a 500,000 candle power spotlight (Nite Tracker RC 500) fitted with a red filter. This enabled the observers to track the movements of the bat while attempting to record echolocation calls. These calls, from individuals of known species, were added to those recorded in previous years to enlarge the sample size for statistical analysis. Enlarged samples of species calls were compared using the methods of Cross and Harmes (1996). Although the increased sample sizes allowed greater resolution among species calls, they did not provide sufficient information to distinguish all species, i.e. not all calls of unknown species could be identified with total confidence. An alternative approach to identification was adopted. Unidentified bat calls of good quality from a particular location were downloaded to individual files. These files were then visually compared with typical calls of known species. Emphasis was placed on species of concern, specifically MYEV, MYTH, MYVO, MYYU, COTO, ANPA, and LANO. The specific question to be answered by using this approach was: Is it possible that any of the recorded calls from a particular site could be from one of the species of concern? Using this approach, a list of species of special concern that could be present at a particular site was generated. Since some calls could be identified with more assurity than others, an indication of degree of confidence was also included. Two categories of probability of presence were used, 1) very likely, and 2) possible. Most of the species identity assignments were made by one individual, Margaret Blankenship. 9

11 Radio Tracking. Three LANO, one MYEV and one MYVO were radio-tagged using small (0.67 g) transmitters manufactured by Holohil Systems (3387 Stonecrest Road, Woodlawn, Ontario, Canada KOA 3M0). All but one of the tagged bats were tracked on an almost-daily basis for two to three weeks after attachment of the transmitter's. Tracking was accomplished with the aid of both Telonics (Model TR125), Wildlife Materials, and/or Titley Electronics (Model Regal 2000) radio receivers. Tracking was usually initiated near the point of capture but often involved considerable local road travel to pick up a radio signal. Most tracking was done during daylight hours in order to find daytime roost sites. Occasionally, tracking was undertaken at night in order to determine if a radio signal was coming from an active bat rather than from a detached transmitter or dead bat. Although proposed as a potential species for radio-tracking, no Townsend's big-eared bats were tagged because of difficulty obtaining study animals at appropriate times. Survey of bat boxes. One hundred twelve bat boxes were placed in trees at three sites (36 at two sites and 40 at another) on the Dead Indian Plateau in the Ashland District in 1992 (Taylor and Brown, 1992). The boxes were placed on trees of varying distances from a distinct forest edge (lake, meadow, and clear-cut) and oriented in the four cardinal directions on each tree. Placement of boxes was originally designed to look at the influence of distance from the edge but occupancy rates were too low for such an evaluation. However, some seasonal and orientational data were obtained. The boxes were visually monitored on four occasions during the summer of This was accomplished by simple visual inspections aided by a spotlight. 10

12 In addition, records from previous years of monitoring by Forest Service personnel were tabulated and analyzed for trends. In a separate study on the Chetco Ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest, overseen by Colin Dillingham, 48 boxes similar to those used in the Ashland study were placed on the edges of six clear-cuts, eight boxes per clear-cut. Two boxes were placed in a tree in two of the four cardinal direction edges, one box facing into the clear-cut and one facing into the forest. Overall, there were equal numbers facing each cardinal direction and facing into and away from clear-cut openings. Boxes were checked times each over the course of a year, in all months but January, November, and December. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of direction and relation to orientation on the forest edge and to determine seasonal use patterns (Dillingham, personal communication). 11

13 RESULTS Site Descriptions Results of detection surveys are presented in the following five categories for each of the sites sampled: 1. Site Name 2. Location; includes legal description and access route. 3. Description; includes physical and biological characteristics. 4. Techniques/Conditions; includes survey date(s), methods employed, time of sampling and prevailing conditions. 5. Results; a list of species encountered including number and sex (male, female). Site descriptions are presented under two major geographic headings; Ashland Research Natural Area (ARNA) and Applegate Adaptive Management Area (AAMA) Timber Sales. Within the ARNA and each of the timber sale areas, sites are arranged in sequence according to type of detection method (mist netting, harp trapping or echolocation detection). Within each detection method type, the sites are arranged in chronological order of sampling, based on the first visit to the site. Locations of the mist-net and other capture/observation sites are shown in Figures 1 and 2 near the beginning of each section, and summaries of captures and/or observations are presented in Tables 3 and 4 at the end of each section. 12

14 T.39S. N T.40 S. R.1 E. Fig. 1. Site locations of capture and observation surveys in and near the Ashland Research Natural Area, Ashland District, Rogue River National Forest. The outlined area is the ARNA. 13

15 Table 2. Results of bat captures in and near the Ashland Research Natural Area, Rogue River National Forest in Site numbers correspond to locations shown in Fig. 1 and to detailed descriptions that follow. Temperature ( 0 C) and humidity (%) measurements are for highest and lowest during the mist-netting session. Civ Snst = Civil Sunset. MIN/NET = number of minutes after civil sunset when netting ceased. See text for species acronyms. TEMP HUM CIV MIN/ EPFU LANO MYCA MYEV MYTH )IYVO MYYU SITE DATE (OC) (%) SNST NET M F M F M F M F M F M F M F 1 7/ / / / / / Subtotal Total

16 ASHLAND RESEARCH NATURAL AREA SITE ACCOUNTS 1. NAME: Tiger Lily Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T39S RlE S35 NWSW. (USFS). El ft. From SOU, south on Siskiyou Blvd for 1.6 mi. Right on Tolman Creek Rd (FS Rd 2080) for 6.4 mi. Right on the 600 Rd for 0.1 mi. The pond is on the left. Although not located within the confines of the ARNA, this site is in close proximity, has similar topography and vegetation, and is the only standing water in the vicinity. DESCRIPTION: This wadeable pond measures 6.2 m x 3.5 m and is situated in a north-facing draw. It is surrounded by vegetation, some of which overhangs the pond, including ferns, willows, grasses and tiger lilies. There are several large snags in the area. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 23 (180 min FCS): one 18-ft net. Numerous bats were observed the night this site was sampled, and many were easily able to detect and avoid the net. Use of two 18-ft nets or hand nets might be a better capture technique. RESULTS: 7/23 M. califfornicus (0,2) M. evotis (3,0) M. volans (0,2) 2. NAME: Bull Gap Creek LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S RlE S10 NWSW. (USFS). El ft. From Southern Oregon University (SOU), south on Siskiyou Blvd for 1.6 mi. Right on Tolman Creek Rd (FS Rd 2080) for 6.4 mi. Right on the 600 Rd for 1.0 mi. Take the 2060 Rd (middle fork, with sign "To Horn Gap") for 2.9 mi. There is a Forest Service gate (requiring a key to open) 1.0 mi from the junction of the 600 Rd and the 2060 Rd. The site is on the left where the creek crosses the road. DESCRIPTION: This is a shallow, wadeable pool on Bull Gap Creek situated in a northeast oriented canyon, on the boundary of the ARNA. The pool is roughly triangular in shape, measuring -9m x 9m 15

17 x 10m and empties into a culvert running beneath the 2060 Rd. The banks are moderate to steeply-sloped and fairly clear of vegetation. There are grasses and shrubs in the water, but the pool area is free of large trees. Surrounding vegetation is coniferous forest composed of firs and pines on steep slopes. This appears to be one of the only sites in the area with enough open space over pooled water to create a "flyway" that larger bats can utilize to get a drink. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 6 (240 min FCS): one 30-ft net and one 18-ft net. RESULTS: 8/6 E. fuscus (2,2) L. noctivagans (20,1) M. californicus (0,2) 3. NAME: East Fork of Ashland Creek LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S RlE S9 NENW. (USFS). El ft. From SOU, right on Siskiyou Blvd for 1.6 mi. Right on Tolman Creek Rd (FS Rd 2080) for 6.4 mi. Right on the 600 Rd for 1.0 mi. Take the 2060 Rd (middle fork, with sign "To Horn Gap") for 3.9 mi. There is a Forest Service gate (requiring a key to open) 1.0 mi from the junction of the 600 Rd and the 2060 Rd. The site is on the left, above the culvert where the creek crosses under the road. DESCRIPTION: Two nets were set up over Ashland Creek approximately 20 m and 50 m, respectively, above the road at relatively wide, slow moving areas. The site is in a steeplysloped northeast draw with fairly open canopy on the boundary of the ARNA. Vegetation is similar to the Bull Gap Creek site. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 13 (180 min FCS): one 18-ft net and one 12-ft net. RESULTS: 8/13 M. evotis (1,0) M. yumranensis (1,O) 16

18 4. NAME: Lamb Mine LOCATION: Jackson Co., T39S RlE S28 NWNE. (USFS). El ft. Ashland Loop Rd (FS Rd 2060) may be accessed from Ashland via Morton St. or by way of Holly St. to Terrace St. From the upper end of Terrace St, turn left (east) on Ashland Loop Rd for 2.7 mi. This is the parking area for accessing the mine which is -600 yds southwest on a well-traveled trail. DESCRIPTION: The portal measures 1.75m high and 1.8m wide and has a small barrier. Inside measurements (1m from outside) are 2.lm high by 1.7m wide. There are -4 inches of standing water inside. Bats could be attracted to this cave for a variety of reasons, including: 1) good breeding site, 2) drinking site, and 3) feeding site (there are many insects flying inside the mine). TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Harp-trapping: August 20 (112 min FCS); September 12 (120 min FCS). A harp trap, with no legs on the west side and two -14 in. legs on the east side, was set up just outside the mine. There were -18 in. gaps on either side of the trap. RESULTS: 8/20 9/12 M. californicus (4,1) no bats captured M. evotis (1,0) M. thysanodes (0,1) M. volans (0,4) 5. NAME: Ashland Loop Mine LOCATION: Jackson Co., T39S RlE S27 NWSW. (USFS). El ft. Ashland Loop Rd (FS Rd 2060) may be accessed from Ashland via Morton St or by way of Holly St to Terrace St. From the upper end of Terrace St, go east on Ashland Loop Rd for 3.4 mi. to the trailhead for the mine. Hike in for -0.3 mi. along an abandoned road that is intermittently obstructed by brush. DESCRIPTION: The opening of the mine is concreted and partially blocked by an old wooden door. The mine extends -300 ft. then splits into three short shafts after a partial breakdown. The floor has some water on it. There was a small Myotis sp. roosting in one of the dynamite holes on 8/27. To set up the trap, some dirt needed to be excavated from the sides of the portal. This 17

19 provided a good fit for the trap covering the opening. No legs were needed on the trap. This is an area of steep terrain with a mixed forest of conifers and madrone with many scattered snags. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Harp-trapping: August 27 (186 min FCS): one 5-ft x 5-ft trap. RESULTS:. 8/27 M. californicus (4,1) M. thysanodes (1,0) 6. NAME: Reeder Reservoir - East Fork Ashland Creek Inlet (Bat Detector Site) LOCATION: Jackson Co., T39S RlE S28 SENW (USFS). El ft. Ashland Loop Rd (FS Rd 2060) may be accessed from Ashland via Morton St or by way of Holly St to Terrace St. From Terrace St, go east on Ashland Loop Rd for 2.7 mi. This is the parking area for accessing the Lamb Mine. Take the trail heading west towards the east fork of Ashland Creek for approximately 1/2 mi. The trail ends at the inlet of the east fork of Ashland Creek to Reeder Reservoir. The site can also be accessed via the Ashland Water Treatment Plant, driving to the inlet of the west fork of Ashland Creek and hiking to the east fork. DESCRIPTION: A check-dam at the inlet of the east fork of Ashland Creek created open water that is relatively quiet. The pool behind the dam is triangular, tapering over approximately 120 ft. from the relatively narrow and fast moving creek to approximately 60 ft. wide at the dam. All but the upper part is too deep to wade and there is abundant quiet surface water available for bats to drink. The site is surrounded by low elevation coniferous forest comprised of mostly Douglas-fir. Nearby south facing hillsides on the north edge of Reeder reservoir include oak, madrone, manzanita, and open grassland. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: On the evening of 10/1/97, a bat detector with an associated delay switch was placed along the north edge of the check-dam pool, approximately 80 ft. upstream from the dam. A one-hour tape was filled during two hours of exposure. 18

20 RESULTS: 183 calls downloaded. Species of concern presence, based on identification of calls recorded: M. evotis M. volans M. yumanensis L. noctivagans possible possible possible possible 19

21 App or Spatioa n E1~~~~~~~~1 1T4 re~~~~~~~~~~~~~e~~~~~~~~~ts S e~~~~~~~~~ Fig. 2. Site locations of capture and observation surveys in and near the Applegate Adaptive Management Area, Applegate Ranger District, Rogue River National Forest.

22 Table 3. Results of bat captures in and near the Applegate Adaptive Management Area in Site numbers correspond to locations shown in Fig. 1 and to detailed descriptions that follow. Temperature ( C) and humidity (%) measurements are for the highest and lowest during the mist-netting session. Civ Snst = Civil Sunset. MIN/NET = number of minutes after civil sunset when netting ceased. See text for species acronyms. JTEMP JHUM civ MIN/ COTO F HPFU LANO MYCA MYEV MYTH MYVO MYYU SITE IAT ( C) I (%) I SNST NET M F M F M F I M F I M F I M F I M F X F Little Applegate Sale 1 7/ / / / / / / I~a Silver Fork Sale 6 7/ / / / Squaw/Elliot Sale 10 7/ / / / /

23 Table 3. continued. I TEMP HUM CIV MIN/ COTO EPFU LANO MYCA MYEV MYTH MYVO MYYU SITE DATE ( C) (%) I SNST NET N F M F4 M F M F M F M F M F M F Beaver/Palmer Sale 16 7/ / / / Browntown Sale / Knobcone Sale 22 8/ / / / Upper Thompson Sale 25 J 9/ J /26 j j 1 Subtotal Total

24 APPLEGATE ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT AREA SITE ACCOUNTS Little ADplegate Sale 1. NAME: Glade Creek Pump Chance and Bridge LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R1W S7 SESW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, east on Upper Applegate Rd for 3.4 mi. Right on Little Applegate Rd for 16.0 mi. Pump chance is at the bridge over Glade Creek. There is an access road to the left of the bridge leading to the creek. DESCRIPTION: The creek is 4.8m wide, four to five inches deep, and relatively fast-moving. There is open water where the access road meets the creek 21m upstream from the bridge. For the last several years there was a pool in the creek created by a small rock dam. Two years ago, mist-netting by Dave Clayton resulted in 30 LANO, two of which were lactating. This year the dam didn't survive the winter, and the pool was gone. We set up a net in the creek anyway, but were unsuccessful. The concrete bridge has 3-4 ft long-axis stringers creating alcoves bats use for roosting. We netted the bridge on August 15 using an 18-ft net across each end alcove. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 25 (90 min FCS): one 30-ft net. Mist-netting under bridge. August 15 (240 min FCS) two 18-ft nets. RESULTS: (d,?,unknown) 7/25 8/15 E. fuscus no bats (0,2) M. californicus (0,1) M. volans (3,3) radio-tagged one V 2. NAME: Hendricks Headwater Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R1W S5 SWSW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger station, east on Upper Applegate Rd for 3.4 mi. Right on Little Applegate Rd (FS Rd 2030) for 15.6 mi. Left on the 600 Rd for 0.1 mi. Left on the 610 Rd for 1.7 mi. The pond is on the left at the junction with the 640 Rd. DESCRIPTION: This 17m x 11.5m pond on a northwest slope is wadeable only along portions of the edge. Water is only -40% 23

25 open; pond weed covers a majority of the water. Cattails growing along the southwestern edge of the pond weed were removed to clear a space for placement of one of the nets. Rushes at the southern end were cut back to facilitate moving that net. Cattails filled the northeast portion and were not removed. We placed a second net across the northwest corner of the pond which was open and wadeable. Much of this hillside had been logged and was now largely a monoculture of young ponderosa pine. There are two Douglas-fir snags along the pond's southwest edge. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 12 (240 min FCS): one 30-ft net and one 18-ft net. RESULTS: 8/12 E. fuscus (1,5) M. californicus (2,3) 3. NAME: South Woodpecker Pump Chance LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R2W S13 NWSE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, east on Upper Applegate Rd for 3.4 mi. Right on Little Applegate Rd for 6 mi. Right on Yale Creek Rd (FS Rd 1099). Stay on the 1099 Rd to the left at mi 4.1 for 2.0 more mi. Left on the 500 Rd for 6.9 mi. Left on the 550 Rd for 0.3 mi. The pond is on the right in a draw. DESCRIPTION: This site is a 4.7m x 4.7m pump chance on a northeast slope filled by a small creek. It has a soft bottom but is wadeable along the edges. The south, west, and north banks are steep. This is a difficult pond to work. A triangular three-net set covered the pond, but most bats were able to avoid the nets. One 18-ft net might be better. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 14 (240 min FCS): three 18-ft nets, one rolled on pole down to nine ft. RESULTS: 8/14 M. californicus (1,4) M. thysanodes (1,0) L. noctivagans (0,1) radio-tagged 24

26 4. NAME: Deadman's Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R2W S27 SENW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20) for 10.8 mi. Left on the 835 Rd for 0.7 mi. The pond is on the right. DESCRIPTION,: The pond measures 13.7m x 11.5m and is not wadeable. The east bank is heavily vegetated, the north and west banks are open. Vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the pond includes old-growth Douglas-fir and true firs. clear cut. Surrounding areas are TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 22 (240 min FCS), Sept 3 (195 min FCS): one 42-ft net and one 30-ft net. RESULTS: 8/22 9/3 E. fuscus (5,3) L. noctivagans (13,0,2) (2,0) both tagged M. californicus (4,7,1) (8,7) M. evotis (13,3,1) (1,2) 1 e tagged M. thysanodes (1,0) M. volans (1,0) (1,0) M. yumanensis (0,1) 5. NAME: Green Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R2W S21 SESE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20) for 10.7 mi. Left on the 840 Rd for 0.3 mi. The pond is on the left. DESCRIPTION: This 19m x 7m pond is situated along the ridge between the Beaver Creek and Yale Creek drainages. Since it has been used extensively by cattle, brush held by nets has been placed around the edges in an attempt to exclude them. Some of this brush needed to be removed in order to set up the nets and work the pond. It is wadeable with chest-waders. The water is an opaque green color due to algae. Surrounding vegetation includes ft Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. There are clear-cuts on either side of the ridge. 25

27 TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 26: 30-ft and one 18-ft net. (240 min FCS): one RESULTS: 8/26 L. noctivagans (5,0) M. californicus (0,2) M. evotis (2,3) Silver Fork Sale 6. NAME: 2015 Road Pump Chance LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R2W S4 SENW (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20) for 10.8 mi. Right on the 2015 Rd for 3.7 miles. The pond is on the left up a short access road. DESCRIPTION: The 4.lm x 6.5m pump chance on the creek is three feet deep but unwadeable due to the soft muddy bottom. There are eight or ten snags in the northwest-facing draw a short distance uphill from the pond as well as a clear-cut full of snags and broken trees in the immediate area providing good potential roost sites for bats. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 31 (240 min FCS): two 18-ft nets. RESULTS: 7/31 E. fuscus (3,2) L. noctivagans (10,2) M. californicus (1,11) M. evotis (4,2) M. volans (4,0) 7. NAME: Yellowjacket Spring LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R2W S3 NWSW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20)for 13.9 mi to Silver Fork Gap, a 5-way junction. Right on the 300 Rd (Yellowjacket Ridge Rd) for 1.1 mi. The spring is in the meadow to the left. 26

28 DESCRIPTION: This site is on a south slope and consists of a fenced spring with a pipe running -20 ft downhill to fill a 2 ft x 6 ft metal trough. Vegetation in the immediate vicinity is intermediate age to mature timber with few, if any, snags. There were numerous bats drinking from the trough the evening we netted, but they were successfully able to avoid the net. Better success might be achieved with a longer net, placing the poles farther from the trough. This might possibly decrease the bats' ability to detect the net/poles presence and allow capture of individuals flying near but not directly over the trough. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting August 13 (180 min FCS): one five-ft net. RESULTS: 8/13 no bats 8. NAME: Chappel Springs Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R2W S34 NESW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20) for 13.6 mi. Right on a narrow spur road for 0.1 mi. The pond is in the meadow on the right. DESCRIPTION: On July 13, the pond measured 10.5m x 6.3m and was wadeable with chest-waders. The day we mist-netted (8/28), it measured 9m x 5.6m and was easily wadeable with hip-waders. It is situated a short distance downhill from the fenced spring on a west slope surrounded by mature timber and a few snags. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 28 (240 min FCS): two 18-ft nets. RESULTS: 8/28 E. fuscus (0,1) M. californicus (5,4) M. evotis (4,1) M. volans (4,1) 27

29 9. NAME: Silver Fork Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R2W S17 NWSE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20) for 10.8 mi. Right on the 2015 Rd for 8.1 mi. The pond is on the left. DESCRIPTION: This is an irregularly shaped, elongated pond consisting of two main areas of open water connected by a long neck. Overall length is 45m. The larger, northern end is 10.5m wide and wadeable only on the ends. The southern portion measures 5m in width and -two ft deep. The bottom of the pond is mud and gravel which is firm in some areas and very soft and deep in others. The banks are gently-sloped and grassy with an abundance of rushes and other vegetation, some of which needed to be cut back in order to work the pond. Originally, three nets were set up, two over the northern end and one over the southern. It became necessary to take one net down (the 18-ft) as there were so many bats captured, that four people could not keep up. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: August 29 (240 min FCS); one 42-ft net, one 30-ft net, one 18-ft net. RESULTS: 8/29 E. fuscus (11,17) L. noctivagans (13,1) M. californicus (2,2) M. evotis (0,1) M. yumanensis (2,0) Squaw/Elliot Sale 10. NAME: Lily Mountain Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R2W S18 SWNE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd(FS Rd 20)for 10.8 mi. Right on the 2015 Rd for 6.5 mi. Right on the 410 Rd for 1.0 mi. The pond is on the left. 28

30 DESCRIPTION: The 6m x 4.4m pond is right off the road on a northwest slope and is used heavily by cattle. 100% open water with a grassy hummock near the east end. It is approximately 4.5 ft deep with an extremely muddy bottom making it unwadeable. There is an eight-foot bank on the west side with gooseberry bushes and an alder thicket on the south side. There are numerous snags in this area as well as acres of old growth downhill to the north. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 24 (240 min FCS): two 18-ft nets. RESULTS: 7/24 E. fuscus (2,0) L. noctivagans (4,0,1) M. californicus (2,9) M. evotis (11,5) M. thysanodes (2,0) M. volans (4,1) 11. NAME: Summit Lake LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R3W S11 (USFS). El 4800 ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Road (FS RD 20) for 10.8 mi. Right on the 2015 Rd for 6.5 mi. Right on the 410 Rd for 1.9 mi. Right on the 420 Rd for 0.6 mi. Left on the 500 Rd for 1.9 mi. Sharp right onto the 580 road for 0.1 mi. Parking by the barbed-wire fence, which has to be climbed to access the lake. DESCRIPTION: This is a 79m x 31m wadeable grassy pond on the ridge top in a clearing surrounded by mature forest. At this time of year, open water consisted of two areas near the center. One measures 14m x 10m, the other 14m x 3m. The deepest part of the larger area of open water is approximately 2.5 ft. The entire site has a few inches of water in it. There are acres of old-growth to the north. We probably would have been more successful with the addition of a 30-ft net over the larger area of open water, as the bats had little trouble avoiding the nets. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 31 (240 min FCS): two 42-ft nets. 29

31 RESULTS: 7/31 L. noctivagans (1,0) M. californicus (2,3) M. evotis (5,4) M. thysanodes (3,0) M. volans (4,3) 12. NAME: Nicks Spring LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R2W S18 SWSW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Road (FS RD 20) for 10.8 mi. Right on the 2015 Rd for 6.5 mi. Right on the 410 Rd for 1.9 mi. Right on the 420 Rd for 0.5 mi. Left on the 500 Rd for 0.2 mi. Left on an unmarked road for 0.5 mi. Follow the road to the right up the hill and park. Walk over the ridge toward the southeast and follow a game track -0.1 mi. through a stand of old-growth ponderosa pines to the pond. DESCRIPTION: This is a 11.5m x 8m pond in a small clearing on a southwest slope on Elliott Creek Ridge. It is wadeable on the ends with grassy banks and it is easy to move nets. Vegetation is a mosaic of mature forest, clear-cuts and second growth. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: October 9 (240 min FCS): one 30-ft net and one 18-ft net. RESULTS: 10/9 L. noctivagans (2,0) M. californicus (4,0) M. thysanodes (3,0) 13. NAME: Stringtown Mine LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R3W S6 NENE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 7.4 mi. Left on French Gulch Rd (following signs to Squaw Lakes) for 3.0 mi. to Stringtown Campground. Park by restrooms and walk up access road across the draw for 0.2 mi. to a clearing. The mine is on the left. DESCRIPTION: The portal measures 2.5m x 1.5m with no obstacles. Easy to set up harp trap and blocking material along the top, 30

32 bottom, and one side of the trap. There is a slightly muddy trickle of water flowing out of the mine. The surrounding forest is a mix of conifers and hardwoods including Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, canyon live oak, and madrone. The female COTO captured 9/6 was lactating. Another COTO could be seen in the mine but did not exit. Two of the COTO's captured 10/7 were postlactating. One male MYCA that was captured on 9/6 was recaptured on 10/7 (wing was punch-marked). TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Harp-trapping: September 6(223 min FCS) and October 7 (205 min FCS). RESULTS: 9/6 10/7 C. townsendii (0,1) (0,3) M. californucus (5,9) (5,2) M. evotis (1,2) 14. NAME: Manzanita Creek (Bat Detector Site) LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R4W S11 NWNW. (USFS).El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 11.1 mi. Left on Elliot Creek Rd for 0.8 mi. Left on Manzanita Creek Rd for 1.2 mi. There is a turn around with a fire pit here in this draw at the southeast end of the Applegate Reservoir. DESCRIPTION: An arm of Applegate Reservoir with adjacent hillsides covered with snags with sloughing bark. The creek was flowing, but this arm of the reservoir wasn't as full as it was a few weeks ago. Vegetation in the area includes big leaf maple, alder, second-growth Douglas-fir, madrone, and young ponderosa pine. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Bat detector with delay switch left overnight on September 29. It was oriented to the west, toward the reservoir. RESULTS: No calls recorded 15. NAME: Squaw Creek Bridge (Bat Detector Site) LOCATION: Jackson Co., T41S R3W S5 SENE. El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 7.4 mi. Left on French Gulch Rd (following signs to Squaw Lakes) for 5.0 mi to 31

33 where the bridge crosses Squaw Creek. DESCRIPTION: This is a concrete bridge with 3-4 ft. long-axis supports which create alcoves suitable for bat roosting. There are blackberry bushes at both ends, making access difficult. The east end is more accessible and could be hand-netted. TECHNIQUES/CONDITIONS: Bat detector with delay switch left overnight on September 28. RESULTS: 141 calls downloaded. Species of concern, based on identification of calls recorded: M. thysanodes possible M. yumanensis possible M. volans possible Beaver/Palmer Sale 16. NAME: Armstrong Gulch Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R3W S2 Center of NE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20) for 2.5 mi. Left on the 920 Rd for 1.2 mi. The pond is on the right. DESCRIPTION: The lom x 15m pond is in a draw on a south-facing slope in a dry area. 100% open water. It is not wadeable in the middle and was difficult to work. The east and west banks are steep but free of vegetation. Inflow from the north end. The surrounding forest is mostly second-growth Douglas-fir, some ponderosa pine and madrone. There are a few mature trees as well as some scattered Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine snags. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 22 (199 min FCS): one 18-ft and one 30-ft net. 32

34 RESULTS: 7/22 E. fuscus (6,0) L. noctivagans (2,0) M. californicus (3,1) M. evotis (0,1) M. thysanodes (3,1) M. volans (0,2) 17. NAME: Lime Gulch Pond LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R4W S1 NWNW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 1.1 mi. Right on Palmer Creek Rd (FS Rd 1095) for 1.6 mi. Turn right where the pavement ends and continue up Palmer Creek Rd for 0.6 mi. Right on the 500 Rd for 1.0 mi. The pond is on the left in the draw. DESCRIPTION: The 7.6m x 3.5m pond sits in a steep-sided, bowlshaped depression on a south-facing slope. The banks of this unwadeable pond are free of vegetation and very muddy. Surrounding forest is mostly ponderosa pine. TECHNIQUES/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 30 (228 min FCS): one 18-ft net. RESULTS: 7/30 E. fuscus (5,5) M. californicus (1,1) M. evotis (1,1) M. volans (0,1) 18. NAME: Palmer Creek Crossing LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R3W S7 SWNE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 1.1 mi. Right on Palmer Creek Rd (FS Rd 1095) for 1.6 mi. Turn right where the pavement ends and continue up Palmer Creek Rd for 0.2 mi. Left onto the 300 Rd for approximately 100 yards to the stream crossing. DESCRIPTION: The road crossing has created a 7m x 6m pool on Palmer Creek. Thick willow and alder grow right up to the road bisecting the creek. The pool is approximately eight inches deep. 33

35 There are scattered ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir snags in the vicinity. The Applegate River is only 0.2 mi downstream. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 30 (180 min FCS): two 18-ft nets. RESULTS: 7/30 no bats captured 19. NAME: Curiosity Spring LOCATION: Jackson Co., T40S R3W S23 SWSW. El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 2.4 mi. Left on Beaver Creek Rd (FS Rd 20) for 3.7 mi. Right on the 2010 Rd for 0.7 mi. Left on the 200 Rd for 4.1 mi. Right on the 300 Rd (at the sign that says, "Baldy Peak Trail 1 mi") for 1.3 mi. At the junction with the 330 Rd, continue on the 300 Rd (no sign) by making a hard right through a gate (requires a Forest Service key). Continue 0.4 mi. on overgrown but passable road. The pond is -50 ft beyond a log barrier on the road. DESCRIPTION: This 13m x 5.5m pond is situated in a north-facing draw in a depression and has steep, high banks on all sides. It is too deep to wade. Abundant slash from blowdown along the pond's edge had to be removed in order to make it workable. Two nets were set up in roughly a "VI' formation to avoid a patch of willow in the center of the north bank. The surrounding forest includes Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and scattered snags. Cool temperatures at this elevation late in the season may have affected our success rate. A resampling of this pond earlier in the summer might prove interesting. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: September 3 (220 min FCS): one 30-ft net and one 18-ft net. RESULTS: 9/3 E. fuscus (1,2) L. noctivagans (1,0) M. californicus (0,2) 34

36 Browntown Sale 20. NAME: Low Gap Pond (Bat Detector Site) LOCATION: Josephine Co., T40S R5W S34 SESE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 11.1 mi. Right on Carberry Creek Rd(County Rd 777) for 6.2 mi. Left on Steve Fork Rd (FS Rd 1030) for 5.2 mi. Left on the 400 Rd for 0.6 mi. The pond is on the left at the southern edge of the grassy pull-out spot. DESCRIPTION: This pond measures lom x 15m and is situated on an east-facing slope. Thick alders encircle three-fourths of the pond from the southwest to the east, creating a fairly closed canopy. Three-foot grass grows out -4 feet into the water along the west side. Vegetation in the immediate area includes mature conifers and numerous snags. Dave Clayton has sampled this pond in the past without capturing any bats. A bat detector with a tape recorder and delay switch was set up overnight on September 28. TECHNIQUES/CONDITIONS: Bat detector with delay switch left overnight on September 27. RESULTS: 16 calls downloaded. Species of concern, based on identification of calls recorded: M. thysanodes possible 21. NAME: Whiskey Spring Pump Chance LOCATION: Josephine Co., T41S R5W S11 NENE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 11.1 mi. Right on Carberry Creek Rd (County Rd 777) for 4.0 mi. Left on the 1035 Rd for approximately 12 mi. Right on the 350 Rd for -2 mi. Left onto the 355 spur road downhill through high grass for -.25 mi. The pond is on the right. The 1035 Rd may also be accessed via the 400 Rd by taking Upper Applegate Rd to Carberry Creek Road, then a left at the Carberry Creek Picnic Area at mi This route is a five-mile maze of unmaintained, unmarked 4WD roads and is not recommended. 35

37 DESCRIPTION: This 12.2m x 5.8m pump chance sits in an open meadow on an east-facing slope near the top of Whiskey Peak. A steep bank and seep occupy the west side of the pond. The north, east, and south banks are level and support aquatic vegetation, some of which had to be cut back to facilitate moving the nets since the pond is unwadeable. Patches of mature coniferous forest and several snags surround the meadow. This proved to be a good capture site considering the elevation and time of year. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: September 11 (240 min FCS): two 18-ft nets. RESULTS: 9/11 M. evotis (6,5) M. thysanodes (0,1) M. volans (1,0) Knobcone Sale 22. NAME: Steve Fork Pump Chance (Mist net and Bat Detector) LOCATION: Josephine Co., T41S R5W S5 SESW. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 11.1 mi. Right on Carberry Creek Rd (County Rd 777) for 6.2 mi. Left on Steve Fork Rd (FS Rd 1030). The pond is in the draw just past the 9-mi. marker. DESCRIPTION: This pump chance is a 6.5m x 4.5m pond on a small year-round creek and is surrounded by horsetails. 100% open water. A soft, muddy bottom makes it unwadeable. There are four ponderosa pine snags with sloughing bark northeast of the pond. Across the draw are rock outcroppings with a cave approximately one-third of the way down the mountain. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: July 31 (240 min FCS), September 25 (224 min FCS): two 18-ft nets. Bat detector with delay switch on 9/25. Cool temperatures and a continual breeze probably hindered success at this site on 8/3. Resampling on 9/25 resulted in greater capture success. 36

38 RESULTS: Mist net capture 8/3 9/25 E. fuscus (1,0) (1,O) L. noctivagans (4,0) (3,0) M. californicus (2,3) M. evotis (1,1) (2,1) M. volans (0,2) Bat detector 9/25-51 calls downloaded. Species of concern, based on identification of calls recorded: L. noctivagans very likely C. townsendii possible M. thysanodes possible M. volans possible 23. NAME: Little Craggy Creek Pump Chance LOCATION: Josephine Co., T40S R5W S32 N CTR. (USFS) El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 11.1 mi. Right on Carberry Creek Rd (County Rd 777) for 6.2 mi. Left on Steve Fork Rd (FS Rd 1030) for 6.3 mi. Right on the 500 Rd for 1.3 mi. The pump chance is on the right up a short access road. DESCRIPTION: This pump chance sits in a southeast-facing draw and consists of a 4m x 4m ankle-deep pool constructed on Little Craggy Creek. The banks are low and grassy with a few young Douglas-firs on the southeast and northeast edges. Upstream 24m is a steep-sided 4m x 4m pool at the base of a 15m waterfall which doesn't appear to be a likely watering site for bats due to the thick, closed canopy and spray from the falls. Vegetation in the area is a mosaic of clear-cuts, second-growth, and mature timber. The night we netted it was cold (down to 6 0 C) and damp (up to 97% RH) and we saw only one bat and very few insects. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: September 5 (180 min FCS): two 18-ft nets. RESULTS: 9/5 no bats 37

39 24. NAME: Swan Valley Pump Chance (Mist-net and Bat Detector) LOCATION: Josephine Co., T40S R5W S31 SWSE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, west on Upper Applegate Rd for 11.1 mi. Right on Carberry Creek Rd (County Rd 777) for 6.2 mi. Left on Steve Fork Rd (FS Rd 1030) for 6.3 mi. Right on the 500 Rd for 2.5 mi. Left on the 600 Rd for 0.2 mi. The pond is on the right at the pump chance sign. DESCRIPTION: This pump chance is built on a year-round creek in a southeast-facing drainage. It is too deep to wade. The west bank is a vertical drop-off, forcing set up of the net parallel to, rather than perpendicular to, the flyway approach used by bats. The drop-off grades into a steep-sided south bank which will support a net pole. The north bank is gently-sloping with thick alders and soft mud. The east bank is the rocky creek bed at the outflow. The hillside north of the pond is filled with snags with loose, sloughing bark. This should be an ideal bat watering and roosting location. The difficult bank situation could be what prevented a more successful sampling on 9/9. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: September 9(240 min FCS): one 30-ft net. Bat detector/recorder with delay switch: September 28, one hour tape filled during 90 minute exposure. RESULTS: 9/9 E. fuscus (2,1) M. californicus (0,1) Bat Detector: 55 calls downloaded. Species of concern, based on identification of calls recorded: A. pallidus very likely C. townsendii possible M. volans possible Upper Thompson Sale 25. NAME: Upper Thompson Pond LOCATION: Josephine Co., T40S R5W S2 NESE. (USFS). El ft. From Star Ranger Station, east on Upper Applegate Rd for 6.3 mi. 38

40 Left on Hwy 238 for 7.2 mi. Left on Thompson Creek Rd for 10.7 mi. Right on the 1005 Rd for 0.25 mi. At the three-way junction, take the 100 Rd in the center. Stay on the 100 Rd for 1.2 mi by keeping to the left at the next three junctions. At 0.1 mi past the third junction (140 Rd), there is a level parking area to leave additional vehicles, as there is room for only one at the pond site. To reach the pond, a 4WD vehicle is needed to travel 0.2 mi dowin the draw on an old, very overgrown skid road which is difficult to detect in some places. DESCRIPTION: This pond on a southeast slope measures 17.4m in length. Width at the northwest end is 6.4m; at the southeast end it is 8.6m wide. The banks are fairly steep and grassy with a few small Douglas-fir trees along the north and east sides. It is slightly muddy on the edges but the bottom of the pond is firm and easily wadeable. At this time of year, the deepest part measures -lm. Vegetation in the area is mixed conifer and hardwood forest including Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and madrone. The first time the pond was sampled (9/9), two nets were set up, and numerous bats had no trouble avoiding them. This site was resampled 9/26 using five nets for better coverage. TECHNIQUE/CONDITIONS: Mist-netting: September 9 (208 min FCS): one 30-ft and one 18-ft net. September 26 (216 min FCS): four 18- ft nets and one 9-ft net. RESULTS: 9/9 9/26 L. noctivagans (1,0) M. californicus (2,1) (0,3) M. evotis (1,0) M. thysanodes (1,0) M. volans (1,1) (1,0) 39

41 Analysis of Echolocation Calls Four hundred forty-six calls from five sites were downloaded from tape recordings to Anabat sonogram files for possible species identification. The downloaded calls were each viewed to determine if they could be one of the seven species of concern. Overall, all seven species were identified as possibly present at one or more of the sites. Specific identifications and probability of identification are included in the site results. Considering the amount of effort expended for call analysis, the echolocation data was of somewhat limited value. In the ARNA, no additional species of concern were identified from echolocation calls beyond the five that were captured. In the AAMA timber sale areas, the possibility of additional species of concern identified from calls beyond those captured occurred twice. ANPA was possibly detected in the Squaw/Elliot sale and also in the Knobcone sale along with COTO and MYTH. Specifically, there was a "very likely" occurrence of ANPA at Swan Valley (Site 24) and the "possible" occurrence of COTO at Swan Valley and also at Steve Fork (Site 22). Calls from 32 individuals of five species were downloaded, measured and combined with the data base of calls used by Cross and Harmes (1996). Statistical comparisons of the enlarged samples of call characteristics failed to increase resolution to the extent that all species could be clearly distinguished. The degree of confidence of identification of some species was increased but not to the point of being able to consistently make positive identifications. A new key was developed, but is not presented here because of lack of confidence. Work is continuing to improve confidence levels. 40

42 The system used to identify the possible or likely occurrence of species of concern worked reasonably well. Downloaded calls were visually compared with 'typical' calls of the species of concern. Examples of typical calls for each of the seven species of concern are presented in Fig. 3. This system alleviated the need to positively identify every call that was analyzed. Instead, we only needed to determine if a given call could be one of the species of concern and give a subjective judgement of the confidence in the identification. 41

43 Antrozous pallidus,~~~~ Corynorhinus townsendii Lasiony' ers\ \ i\ v a \ \ \ ii ; '. ' t 1 i 1'' 5''' a 4 ' I Lasionycteris noctivagans Myotis evotis 0 i'' I Myo i s t n o d a e ' I Myotis thysanodes,, Iw,...,,,,, I I,,.. I I Myotis volans I.. a : ~~~~~~~~~~~~..,. ' O k. : '. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ' a: 13 a ^ j a -, ~~~~~~~~' *13 Myotis yumanensis Fig. 3. Sonograms of typical calls of the seven bat species of concern. Acronyms as in text and tables. 42

44 Radio Tracking Four of the five radio-tagged bats yielded information about alternate roosting sites. Results of tracking are summarized in Figs. 3 to 6 and Tables 4 to 7. Following are individual accounts with pertinent comments. Lasionycteris noctivagans Adult Male No.790. This bat was captured September 3, 1996, at Deadman's Pond (Site 4). On the following three days, it was tracked to private land, approximately 3.5 mi to the northwest. Access was not possible and no signal was detected after September 6. Lasionycteris noctivagans Adult Male No Table 4. Fig 4. This individual was captured at Deadman's Pond (Site 4) on September 3, Over the next 16 days it was tracked to four different roosting sites in three large snags and one live tree, from 1.3 to 1.7 miles from the capture site. Longest continuous use was at site A, for four days. Another roost (Site D), in a live tree, was used for five days covering two different periods. See Table 4 for characteristics of the roosting sites and sequence of use. See Fig. 3 for location of sites. Lasionycteris noctivagans Adult Female No Table 5. Fig 5. This individual was captured at South Woodpecker Pond on August 14, Over the next 19 days it was tracked to seven different roosting sites, all in snags within 0.33 mi of the capture site. It stayed in one of two snags in close proximity for the first 10 days and then moved sequentially to several other sites. The area of use is a well stocked year old true fir forest with residual old-growth ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir (live trees and snags), as well as some madrone. Roosting sites were at, or near, ridge top level between 43

45 Fig. 4. Capture site and roost locations of adult male LANO No

46 Table 4. Radio-tracking records of adult male LANO No. 822 captured at Deadman's Pond, September 3, LEGAL ROOST DISTANCE FROM DISTANCE FROM DATE SITE T40S R2W TYPE CAPTURE SITE LAST LOCATION REMARKS 9/3 Pond S27 SENW N/A N/A N/A capture/tag/release bat; wt 12.2g 9/4-7 A S22 NENE Snag 1.6 mi NE N/A 98ft, 10in dbh wh-ite fir, largest among a group of four white fir snags w/in loyd circle -200 yds east of Yale Creek on ridge; private land 9/9-10 B S22 SWNE Snag 1.3 mi NE.31 mi SW 108ft, 23in dbh Douglas-fir snag; north slope of ridge; private land Un 9/11 C S15 SWSE Snag 1.7 mi NE.37 mi N 131ft, 38in dbh Douglas-fir surrounded by dense coniferous forest (old-growth P. pine, cedar, other large snags in immediate area); NNW slope; -50ft off 580 Rd 9/13-15 D S15 SWSE Tree 1.7 mi NE.09 mi W 295ft, 50in dbh live Douglas-fir in Spotted Owl Late-successional Reserve; tight bark w/large fissures vertically up stem; lower branches dead w/exfoliating bark are possible roost site 9/17 C S15 SWSE Snag 1.7 mi NE.09 mi E returned to site C 9/18-19 D S15 SWSE Snag 1.7 mi NE.09 mi W returned to site D for two days; no signal detected after that

47 .0\ I,R AW s- T. 40 S., R. 2W. Fig. 5. Capture site and roost locations of adult female LANO No

48 Table 5. Radio-tracking records of adult female LANO No. 230 captured at South Woodpecker Pond, August 14, LEGAL ROOST DISTANCE FROM DISTANCE FROM DATE SITE T40S R2W S13 TYPE CAPTURE SITE LAST LOCATION REMARKS 8/14 pond NWSE N/A N/A N/A capture/tag/release bat; wt: 12g 8/16 A SWSE Snag.33 mi SE N/A 98ft white fir that extends above primary canopy; -100 ft below ridge 8/18 B SWSE Snag.33 mi SE 6 ft W 35in dbh Douglas-fir 8/19-20 A SWSE Snag.33 mi SE 6 ft W back at site A 8/20-26 A or B SWSE Snag.33 mi SE zero - 6 ft in one of the two snags; unable to pinpoint which one 8/27-28 C SESW Snag.25 mi SW.20 mi NW 144ft ponderosa pine snag that extends -30 ft above canopy; -300 ft. west of creek 8/29-30 D SESW Snag.22 mi SW 100 ft N heavily decayed 82ft juvenile fir 8/31 E SESW Snag.20 mi SW yds N 95ft broken-topped, heavily decayed old-growth ponderosa pine on ridge 9/1 F SWSE Snag.33 mi SE.20 mi SE broken-topped Douglas-fir; one of six snags in a 65ft radius 9/2 G SWSE Snag.36 mi SE yds E large broken-topped fir 9/3 N/A unknown unknown unknown unknown no signal picked up after 9/2

49 approximately 0.25 and 0.33 mi up the draw from the capture site at South Woodpecker Pond. See Table 5 for characteristics of the roost sites and sequence of use. See Fig. 4 for location of sites. Myotis evotis adult female No Table 6. Fig. 6. This bat was captured September 3, 1996, at Deadman's Pond (Site 4). Over the next nine days it was tracked to six different roost sites, none of which were occupied more than one day. Four of the roost sites were rock crevices, one was in a snag and one was possibly in a down log. All of the located roosting sites were between 0.80 and 1.2 mi from the original capture site. The first site was located 0.93 miles to the southeast and all the other sites were located about the same distance to the northwest (Fig. 5). See Table 6 for characteristics of the roosting sites and sequence of use. Myotis volans adult female No Table 7. Fig. 7. This bat was captured August 15, 1996, at Glade Creek bridge. Only one roost site was located, a large Douglas-fir snag, which it occupied for three of the six days it was tracked. On the other days, the signal could not be pinpointed but was emanating from the vicinity of Hell's Peak. No further detections after August 23, at which time it was in the vicinity of the known roost. 48

50 Fig. 6. Capture site and roost locations of adult female MYEV No

51 Table 6. Records of radio-tracking adult female Myotis evotis #853 captured at Deadman's Pond September 3, LEGAL ROOST TYPE DISTANCE FROM DISTANCE FROM DATE SITE T40S R2W CAPTURE SITE LAST LOCATION REMARKS 9/3 Pond S27 SENW N/A N/A N/A capture/tag/release bat; wt 7.3g 9/4 A S34 SENE Rock crevice.93 mi SE N/A crack in basalt formation on west slope of ridge, 50ft above Rd 20 9/5 B S21 SENE Rock crevice 1.2 mi NW 2.13 mi NW 30ft x 6ft cliff-like outcrop just below ridge top, east slope 9/6 C S22 SWNW Rock crevice 1.07 mi NW.12 mi SE outcrop on east slope of ridge surrounded by thick coniferous forest 9/7 unk unknown unknown unknown unknown no signal anywhere in area Ul 0 9/8 unk S26 unknown unknown unknown unable to pinpoint; signal appeared to be somewhere in S26 9/9 D S22 SWSW Rock crevice.80 mi NW unknown east slope of ridge; rock outcrop in clear-cut 50 ft from Rd /10 E S22 NWSW unknown.94 mi NW.22 mi NE unable to pinpoint; -500ft below 840 Rd, south of site 853C, possibly in downed snag; receiver battery died 9/11 F S21 NESE Snag.94 mi NW.21 mi SW 12ft Douglas-fir snag on west slope at ridge top level; visual obtained of bat under bark 9/12-13 unk unknown unknown unknown unknown no signal detected after 9/11

52 Fig. 7. Capture site and roost locations of adult female MYVO No