FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Aquatic Resource Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Aquatic Resources Program aims to protect and restore riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and water resources to support functioning ecosystems for balanced and diverse uses, including fish and wildlife conservation. This funding opportunity, titled FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Aquatic Resource Management (Funding Opportunity Number L25AS00140), seeks to advance the Department of the Interior's priorities, including addressing the climate crisis, restoring balance on public lands and waters, advancing environmental justice, and promoting clean energy initiatives. The program focuses on ensuring water availability, restoring degraded aquatic resources, increasing ecosystem resilience to environmental stressors like drought and wildfires, preventing invasive species, and improving public knowledge of aquatic habitats, particularly among underserved and indigenous communities. Projects funded through this opportunity must align with these priorities and contribute to one or more of the program's core functions, including ecosystem restoration, water quality improvement, environmental compliance, and public outreach. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and township governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, and private institutions of higher education. Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible to apply. The total estimated funding for this opportunity is $225,000, with an award ceiling of $225,000 and an award floor of $20,000. Up to 10 awards are expected. There is no cost-sharing requirement for applicants. Projects are anticipated to start on August 1, 2025, and must conclude by September 30, 2030. Applicants are required to submit key documents, including SF-424 forms, a project narrative, a budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as résumés for key personnel and letters of support. Projects must demonstrate public benefit, compliance with environmental regulations, and alignment with BLM priorities. Substantial federal involvement in project implementation is anticipated, including collaboration, oversight, and approval of project stages. The application period opens on January 7, 2025, and closes on March 8, 2025, with all submissions required via Grants.gov. Prior to submission, applicants are encouraged to consult with the appropriate BLM district or field office representatives to ensure alignment with program goals and priorities. For more information, applicants may contact Shanice Shay at sshay@blm.gov.