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Partnerships

The Black Hills National Forest has a strong commitment to working with our partners and surrounding community.  The forest had developed long-standing partnerships and working relationships with tribal governments, state government, other federal agencies, local businesses, civic organizations, universities, and many more

Cooperators

Partner Success Story

The northern long-eared bat is a endangered species found within the Black Hills National Forest. The northern long-eared bat roosts within dead and alive trees during the summer months, and inhabits caves and mines during the winter. South Dakota State University and Black Hills National Forest are partnering together to identify the roosting habitat for the species and understand the species’ distribution post white-nose syndrome. The Black Hills Parks and Forest Association has graciously sponsored transmitters for this project. White-nose syndrome is the leading cause of decline for the northern long-eared bat. White-nose syndrome causes bats to arise periodically during hibernation which  depletes their fat reserves and hinders their survival once exposed to the fungus that causes the disease. The most effective current treatment for the fungal disease is vaccination. Both the Black Hills National Forest and South Dakota State University plan to vaccinate northern long-eared bats where found, starting as soon as this summer.

Two scientists tag a northern long-eared bat
Two scientists tag a northern long-eared bat
Two scientists scan a tagged northern long-eared bat

Last updated July 11th, 2025

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