U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (USFS R/D) national science strategy on White Nose Syndrome (WNS)
Abstract
The National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies, and Tribes in Managing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats (National WNS Plan), is a document prepared jointly by the U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Defense, along with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This document provides a strategic framework for the investigation and management of WNS, including key action items and the role(s) of agencies and entities involved in the continental effort. USFS has been a key partner in the development of this plan, and has been engaged in WNS management and science response since the beginning of the WNS outbreak in 2006. USFS R/D has been providing science products and partnership resources to help address the research, monitoring, management, and conservation needs.