FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Wildlife Program

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Wildlife Program, funding opportunity **L25AS00163**, supports projects that protect wildlife habitats, enhance biodiversity, and increase resilience to climate change across BLM-managed public lands. The program advances the Department of the Interior's priorities, including addressing the climate crisis, restoring ecological balance, advancing environmental justice, and conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030. It also emphasizes engaging underserved communities, including communities of color, low-income families, and rural and indigenous populations, to improve economic opportunities and wildlife stewardship. The program funds activities that maintain or restore critical habitats for upland game, waterfowl, big game, pollinators, and sensitive species. Projects may include conserving vegetation communities and water resources, reducing threats to priority habitats, and monitoring wildlife populations to provide accurate data on species distribution and habitat conditions. Additional activities include research on ecosystem management, watershed-level land use planning, and integrating wildlife monitoring tools, such as the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) and North American Bat Monitoring Program (NaBat). The program also supports education and outreach initiatives, including citizen science and student-based projects, to promote awareness and stewardship of wildlife resources, particularly among underserved communities. The estimated total program funding is **$1,000,000**, with awards ranging from a minimum of **$5,000** to a maximum of **$1,000,000**. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. 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 with or without 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Cooperative agreements awarded to Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partners must adhere to an indirect cost rate not exceeding **17.5 percent**. Applications must be submitted electronically no later than **5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 14, 2025**. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with program priorities, feasibility, and measurable contributions to wildlife habitat restoration, biodiversity, and public engagement goals. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong collaboration, use of best available science, and tangible impacts on wildlife conservation efforts. The funding opportunity opens on **December 16, 2024**, and the submission deadline is **February 14, 2025**. The archive date is **September 30, 2030**. For additional information or questions about the application process, applicants may contact **Emmy Ellison** via email at **eaellison@blm.gov**.