Silvis Bat Summer Habitat Conservation Bank

The Silvis Bat Summer Habitat Conservation Bank protects and restores critical forest habitat for some of North America’s most imperiled bat species. Approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in April 2026, the bank generates summer habitat credits to support conservation and responsible development across the region.

Silvis Bat Summer Habitat Conservation Bank (Land of Indiana)

Strategically located within USFWS-designated Conservation Focal Areas (CFAs), the bank encompasses more than 300 acres of high-quality forest habitat across Greene, Martin, and Vermillion Counties, Indiana. These landscapes provide essential breeding, roosting, and foraging habitat for four bat species that are federally protected, proposed for protection, or under review for protection: the Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, tricolored bat, and little brown bat.

Silvis Bat Summer Habitat Conservation Bank (Bear Lake)

The project focuses on preserving and enhancing forest ecosystems that are vital during the bats’ summer maternity season, when females raise their pups and require stable, undisturbed habitat. By safeguarding these areas and implementing targeted restoration activities, the bank helps ensure long-term ecological function and species recovery.

Equally important, the Silvis Bank strengthens landscape-scale conservation by bordering existing protected lands, increasing habitat connectivity, and creating a more resilient network of forested corridors. This connectivity supports bat movement, improves genetic exchange, and enhances overall ecosystem health.

As the bank sponsor, RES leads the development, restoration, and long-term stewardship of the site, delivering a science-based mitigation solution that balances conservation outcomes with economic development needs.

Supported Species

Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis)

Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus)

Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)

A northern long-eared bat being handled by trained individuals.