South Dakota Bat Working Group
Last update 19 February 2025

In the end,
we will conserve only what we love,
we will love only what we understand,
we will understand only what we are taught.

- Baba Dioum

Who are we?
The purpose of the SD-BWG is to work to protect bats and bat habitat through action, education, and cooperation
with Federal, State, Tribal, and private landowners. Our objectives are two-fold: to raise awareness a out the role
bats play in maintaining healthy ecosystems; and to work with public land managers and private landowners and
provide alternatives that will reduce possible adverse affects to bats or bat habitat.

 

 

We are located thorughout the State and you can reach us at the following:

  • East-river = Maya Pendleton 801-725-9693 (SDSU, Dept. Natural Resource Management)
  • Central SD = Silka Kempema 605-773-2742 (GFP Natural Heritage Program)
  • West-river = Brad Phillips 605-673-4707 (USDA, Forest Service, Wildlife Biologist)
  • West-river = Joel Tigner 605-390-2061 Batworks-A Chiropteran Consultancy
  • Western Bat Working Group is conservation group focused on the western United States












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