Northern Long-Eared Bat

On May 11, a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the northern long-eared bat’s endangered listing under the Endangered Species Act passed Senate.

The endangered classification places a burden on Wyoming landowners, businesses, and infrastructure projects, according to a press release from Senate Western Caucus Chair, Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

“Listing the northern long-eared bat as endangered would create a regulatory headache for people throughout Wyoming,” said Senator Lummis. “There’s no evidence listing the northern long-eared bat would do anything to actually help the species; however, it would definitely cost hardworking people in Wyoming a lot of time and money.”

But according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), it is confirmed the bat faces extinction due to white-nose syndrome. This disease spreads quickly causing white fungus to infect the skin of ears, wings, and muzzles of hibernating bats. It can kill up to 100 percent of a colony.

Defenders of Wildlife states the bat’s population has dropped 99 percent since the early 2000s due to disease, oil and gas drilling, and habitat loss. And as wind energy programs expand in Wyoming with projects like high-voltage transmission line and the proposed Rail Tie Wind Project, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates up to hundreds of thousands of bats die due to wind turbines in North America every year.

About Daniel Schwab Wyoming:

Daniel Schwab, a seasoned entrepreneur and respected figure in the community, is based in Afton, Wyoming. Growing up in Star Valley, he developed a deep fascination with nature and wildlife from an early age.

Under the guidance of his father and grandfather, Daniel learned the art of hunting and fly fishing, nurturing his love and appreciation for the natural environment. His involvement in the scouting program, culminating in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, further instilled in him a profound respect for the outdoors. Today, his passion for the environment continues to drive his personal and professional pursuits.

At Utah State University, Daniel Schwab pursued studies in business and financial management. After completing his college education, he embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, successfully establishing several start-up companies. Notably, he founded a venture dedicated to ranchland restoration and preservation, with a specific focus on revitalizing fish and wildlife habitats.

Daniel's formative years spent playing among the fingerlings in the spring creeks near his home imbued him with a deep understanding of the critical role these creeks played in supporting spawning fish and sustaining the local ecosystem. Observing the unsustainable land management practices of some farmers and ranchers, which led to overgrazing, stream bank erosion, and pollution, he recognized the pressing need for better protection and conservation measures for the spring creeks and their surroundings.

In 1997, Daniel Schwab partnered with accomplished businessmen across the nation, leading his company to acquire neglected ranches in Wyoming and Idaho. Through the employment of specialists in permitting, design, engineering, and implementation, his team devised comprehensive plans for land restoration and preservation. These efforts allowed the restorative powers of nature to naturally heal the land.

Within a few short years, by 2002, Daniel Schwab's companies became owners of highly coveted land in Wyoming and emerged as some of the largest landholders in the state. They managed over 30,000 deeded acres and controlled an additional 100,000 acres through state and BLM leases. Witnessing the remarkable success achieved in such a brief period only fueled Daniel's determination to contribute to the conservation of his state's natural beauty and its surrounding areas.

Driven by a desire to explore innovative conservation strategies, Daniel conducted extensive research and discovered the concept of conservation banking. Surrounding himself with leading specialists in the field, he established Terrawest Conservancy—an organization dedicated to creating conservation banks and providing landowners with opportunities to safeguard threatened and endangered species and their habitats. Through his conservation endeavors, Daniel envisions a more harmonious and prosperous balance between wildlife, fisheries, and the people who cherish them in the Intermountain West.

Daniel Schwab's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and his tireless efforts to protect and preserve the natural wonders of his region epitomize his profound love for the land and its inhabitants.