FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Plant Conservation and Restoration Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming Plant Conservation and Restoration Management program, identified as funding opportunity number L25AS00177, seeks to advance plant conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts on public lands. This opportunity aligns with the Department of the Interior's goals to address the climate crisis, enhance ecosystem resilience, restore balance on public lands, and advance environmental justice. Projects funded under this program are intended to protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and support the National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration, which focuses on the use of native plants and seeds to sustain ecosystems. The program specifically prioritizes initiatives that protect native plant communities and rare plant species, support pollinator habitats, and restore ecosystems impacted by natural disasters or human activities. Eligible activities include reducing threats to sage grouse and other sensitive species, working with native seed growers to develop regionally appropriate plant materials for restoration, and conducting scientific studies to improve conservation effectiveness. These studies may include plant genetics, seed bank persistence, ecological assessments, and the development of agronomic production practices. Additional focus areas include pollinator studies, monitoring and restoring rare plant habitats, and developing strategies to promote the use of native plant materials across BLM programs such as wildlife management, renewable energy, and emergency stabilization and rehabilitation. The program encourages projects that engage underrepresented communities, including communities of color, low-income families, and indigenous and rural populations. Such efforts aim to enhance economic opportunities related to native seed production and restoration while fostering citizen science and public education programs. Examples of educational efforts include developing technical guidance, workshops, webinars, and tools like native plant guides, videos, and mobile applications to expand public knowledge of native plant conservation. The estimated total program funding is $250,000, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $250,000. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this funding opportunity. Eligible applicants include state and local governments (city, county, and special district), federally recognized Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations, both with and without 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Cooperative agreements awarded to Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs) partners must adhere to an indirect cost rate not exceeding 17.5 percent as specified under formal CESU agreements. Applicants must submit proposals electronically by February 17, 2025, no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications will be reviewed, rated, and ranked based on alignment with program priorities, scientific merit, feasibility, and potential contributions to plant conservation and restoration objectives. Final notifications will follow the evaluation process. Projects that demonstrate collaboration, ecological impact, and benefits to native species and habitats will be given preference. The opportunity opens on December 16, 2024, and will remain active for applications until February 17, 2025. The archive date for this funding notice is December 31, 2025. For more information or assistance regarding this opportunity, applicants may contact Leona B. Parker via email at [email protected].