On this episode Robert Dudley interviews John Curtis from the NRCS to discuss the role of bats in timber stand improvement and how the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program can help landowners create bat habitat while also improving their timber stands. Mr. Curtis explains how the 666-P enhancement under the CSP program pays landowners to girdle or hack and squirt less desirable trees to create roosting habitat for bats. This not only benefits the bats but can also improve the overall health and productivity of the timber stand by releasing better quality trees. The program provides financial assistance to landowners and can complement their primary timber management goals. The episode also covers the broader environmental and ecosystem benefits of bats, such as pest control and pollination. Overall, the discussion highlights how this NRCS program can be a win-win for both landowners and conservation.