Bats 1 - Bikers 1

If there is one thing we’ve learned from this summer of soccer, it’s that even a tie can be considered a win. Such is the case with the decision handed down from DNR concerning the long disputed Indigo Tunnel and the efforts to incorporate it into a spectacular feature of the Western Maryland Rail Trail.

As readers of this blog already know, this extension of the popular trail running through the far western part of the state would take visitors through a number of 100 year old tunnels and across trestles spanning the Potomac. It had been in the planning stage for some time when biologists discovered the long-abandoned, 4,350-foot-long Indigo Tunnel just outside Pearre was the largest bat hibernaculum on the East Coast.

Not just any bats, mind you. Of the 1,400 bats who winter in Indigo, there are several species represented. When a few from the endangered list were found snoozing, the Feds immediately stepped in to protect them.



Compounding the problem is a deadly fungus known as White Nose Syndrome. (I’m not making this up) which is killing bats from New York to West Virginia.  Indigo Tunnel is one of the few places it hasn’t struck yet, so the Feds don’t want any spore-infested spelunkers anywhere near it.

Bats are considered good environmental citizens because of all the pests they consume (the Little Brown Bat is a real terror with mosquitoes) and agricultural products they pollinate. Bats have a lot of fans, federal law, and very good legal representation, so no one was going to roll them in this battle.

So the project stalled while the Feds and DNR looked for a way to continue the long anticipated trail without imperiling the bats during their seasonal siesta.  Through their advocates, the bats also indicated they weren't interested in sharing the tunnel during non-hibernating months, as they use the facility for breeding, birthing, and other delicate life affirming functions.

The verdict came yesterday, and is described as a “win-win” for all.

The bats are awarded sole custody of the Indigo Tunnel year-round. Special bat gates will be installed at the ends to facilitate their arrival and departure while keeping intruders out.

The trail travelers are awarded an extra few miles of scenic passage, which will take them around the tunnel and on to the C&O Canal for a stretch. That’s a nice touch.

Additionally, the bats relinquish all claims to the Stickpile and Kessler tunnels, which are part of the future trail extension that will take it all the way to Paw Paw.  Those tunnels will be part of the trail.

So the $4.6 million project is back and on track and when the environmental study is completed, it will proceed. That won’t be until 2012, so the bats get another few winters without excavation equipment annoying them.

Can’t wait to see those bat gates, though. That alone should be worth the ride.