OVERVIEW White-nose syndrome (WNS) is approaching the Northern Great Plains (NGP) and could be in the region already.

NGP parks are already conducting acoustic surveys with the University of Wyoming and parks are taking management actions.

However, the status of the disease in

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the region is poorly known.

This project will swab bats collected in caves and in the field via spring mist-netting.

We would also collect environmental samples from caves.

The samples would be tested for presence of the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).

The work would be conducted at all 13 Network parks in Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming in the winter and spring of 2017-1 9.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN Objectives:
The goals and objectives, in general order of importance, are:
1.

Assess and document the distribution of Pd and disease status of bats in NGP parks.

2.

Develop species lists of bats in NGP parks from mis tnet captures.

3.

Collect demographic information on captured bats in NGP parks.

4.

Develop a catalog of acoustic calls from NGP parks for testing and calibration of acoustic monitoring.

5.

Continue long-term acoustic monitoring at NGP parks initiated in 201 5.

6.

Provide parks critical and current information for education and outreach efforts.