The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE), in cooperation with the Organization for Bat Conservation (OBC) and the Michigan Bat Working Group hosted a "Bats and Mines Meeting" and "Bat Day" on Friday and Saturday of August 27 - 28, 2010 at Michigan Technological University, School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science and The Quincy Mine, respectively. 

The goal of initial meeting was to improve coordination  and awareness of emerging bat related issues among those who own or manage properties with potential bat hibernacula (i.e. mines and abandoned sites). The second day, Bat Day, was geared more toward creating public awareness and education about bat conservation and emerging issues like white-nose syndrome (WNS). 

A wealth of information about bats, local conservation projects, and emerging issues were presented at the "Bats and Mines Meeting" by the following: Dr. Al Kurta (Eastern Michigan University), Richard Geboy (US Fish and Wildlife Service), Dr. Allan Johnson (Michigan Tech University),  Bill Scullon (MDNRE), Dave Dillman (US Forest Service), Rob Mies (Organization of Bat Conservation), Steve Smith (S.M. Smith Company), Milt Gere (MDNRE), Chris Hoving (MDNRE), and Dan O'Brien (MDNRE).

Among the major topics, WNS was discussed a considerable number of times and highlighted in nearly all talks at varying levels of geographic relevance.  This disease is new to North America, only recently discovered in the winter of 2006 - 2007 in a cave in New York,  but has had a dramatic impact on populations of bats across the Northeast Region.  Currently, the fungus, considered to be the causative agent in WNS, is known in 13 States and 2 Canadian Provinces.

Although the fungus or disease has not been found in Michigan, it is likely less than 300 miles to the east of the Upper Peninsula (U.P.). Furthermore, the disease is known to affect every "cave" hibernating bat that resides in Michigan's mines or structures. In preparation for the onset of WNS, the MDNRE is currently in the midst of drafting a statewide WNS response plan. Additionally, various other topics addressed public safety concerns at old mine sites, the responsibilities of County Mine Inspectors, coordination of DNRE bats and mines surveys, bat gates as a technique for mitigating mine closures, funding, eco-tourism, regional bat conservation efforts, and public awareness efforts.

"Bat Day" at Quincy Mine featured bat experts Dr. Allen Kurta (Eastern Michigan University) and Rob Mies (Organization for Bat Conservation). In addition, U.P. bats and mines experts Bill Scullon (MDNRE) and Steve Smith gave presentations to educate people about how local mines are surveyed and protected for bats. Lastly, exhibits were set up by the Organization for Bat Conservation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Forest Service.