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Bill

MI

Bill

A 3408

Directs DEP to designate areas in each State park and forest for construction of bat houses.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Inganamort and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey law requires state parks and forests to designate areas for bat house construction to expand habitat for declining bat populations.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3408

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3408 directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to designate specific areas within state parks and forests where bat houses can be constructed. The bill mandates that each state park and forest must have at least one designated area for this purpose, establishing a framework for bat habitat enhancement on public lands.

Why is this important

Bats provide significant ecological and economic benefits, including pest control that reduces agricultural pesticide use and disease vector management. As bat populations face threats from habitat loss, disease, and climate change, expanding designated roosting sites on public lands can help stabilize populations while requiring minimal public expense.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: While bat houses themselves are inexpensive, DEP must conduct site assessments, installations, and maintenance across numerous parks and forests, which could strain agency budgets
  • Ecological specificity: Different bat species have different habitat requirements; a one-size-fits-all mandate may not address species-specific needs or could designate inappropriate locations
  • Land use priorities: Some stakeholders may argue that public park space should prioritize human recreation or other conservation goals over bat habitat infrastructure
  • Enforcement mechanism: The bill doesn't specify consequences if DEP fails to comply or how progress will be monitored

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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