Environmental Monitoring Bat Protection and Conservation Measures
Bat Protection & Habitat Enhancement Measures (ESA)
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit includes specific conditions to protect and enhance bat populations, particularly the Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis, both listed as endangered in Ontario. Key measures include:
- Habitat Protection: Activities near known bat hibernation sites (hibernacula) are carefully controlled. No blasting or loud construction was permitted within 500 metres during the hibernation season (September–May). Vegetation clearing, traffic, and equipment idling were restricted within 200 metres of hibernacula.
- Habitat Creation: Wataynikaneyap Power created a Woodland Bat Habitat Creation Area in southern Ontario, with native tree planting and installation of artificial roosting structures such as bat boxes, rocket boxes, and bark poles.
- Bat Gates Installation: Wataynikaneyap Power is required to install at least three bat gates on existing hibernacula across Ontario to restrict human access while allowing bats to move freely and safely.
Wataynikaneyap Power recognizes that the land on which Wataynikaneyap Power has its head office is the Homeland of Animikii Wajiw. Gitchi Gami Anishinabek are signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850. The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system is located within the Homelands of Treaty 9 and Adhesions; Treaty 3 and Adhesions; and Treaty 5 and Adhesions, through the true spirit and true intent as understood by our Elders.