Finding of Endangered Bats Shows Need Stop Bi-County Oakland Development

Finding of Endangered Bats Shows Need Stop Bi-County Oakland Development

Based on the discovery of two endangered northern long-eared bats, the New Jersey Sierra Club has written a letter to DEP to reject the Bi-County development. The healthy bats were found living in the High Mountain Park Preserve in Wayne—which is right next to the proposed development in Oakland. Scientists from William Paterson University captured and released two of these bats after conducting testing and putting tracking devices on them. This discovery was significant because it is the first time the species has been documented to be living in the preserve. Additionally, there have been huge declines – up to 90 percent of these bats killed from white-nose syndrome, in New Jersey. The Bi-County development would resurrect a development of over 200 homes next to a C1 stream in the Highlands Preservation Area that is environmentally sensitive. Jeff Tittel, Director of The New Jersey Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“The findings of endangered Northern Long-Eared Bats at High Mountain is even more a reason for this area to be protected. DEP should have conducted proper environmental analysis of this area before issuing any permits for the Bi-County development. Now that endangered species is confirmed, DEP must stop and withdraw the permits for this terrible proposal. The federally endangered bats living here must be protected because they have experienced serious declines in population in New Jersey and nationally. Bats are important species because they prey on insects like mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus and other diseases. We also need bats to eat insects that cause crop loss because it helps farmers use less insecticides.”

“High Mountain is a treasure in the Highlands and has endangered species. We have fought for years to protect the Bi-County site because it is environmentally important. It contains nearly every important environmental feature that exists in the Highlands, including Category 1 streams, exceptional resource value wetlands, Highlands waters, endangered plant and animal species, steep slopes, scenic vistas, and more. Now that it is confirmed the Northern Long-Eared Bats live here, DEP must not move forward with this development. Currently, there are negotiations in place to preserve this area by Green Acres. These findings are another reason why it should be permanently protected.”

“The Bi-County Pinnacle project is one of the worst projects ever to be proposed in the Highlands. Lisa Jackson denied this project’s permits because it was not consistent with the Highlands rules and Water Quality Management Planning rules. Now this DEP is settled a law suit by granting the permits even though it does not meet water quality or Highlands laws and rules, instead defending their own rules and laws. Under this settlement, the DEP is taking the side of the developer, ignoring the interests of both Wayne and the water supply for the people of New Jersey. There has been a history of political games with this site with the DEP siding with developers. We are currently in Court against the wetlands permits for this terrible proposal because it must be stopped.”

“Now that the endangered bat species have been found in High Mountain, the DEP must act to withdraw the permits and deny this proposal. This property should be acquired by Green Acres to permanently protect this area and the endangered species living here.”