Endangered Bats Could Threaten Indiana Lake Plan

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — A wildlife biologist says the presence of endangered bats in the area of a proposed reservoir on the White River in central Indiana could bring the project to a halt.

Ball State University biologist Jim Carter says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have to formally review the planned Mounds Lake reservoir that would stretch about seven miles from a dam in Anderson.

The Herald Bulletin reports Carter says the reservoir could create new habitat for the endangered Indiana bat but it would take many years to grow the mature trees the bats use for maternity colonies during warm months.

Reservoir advocates say the $450 million project would improve flood control, create prime real estate for waterfront housing and boost economic development in the Anderson area.