Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Utah Plant Conservation and Restoration Management | L20AS00018

Opportunity Information: Apply for L20AS00018

The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah Plant Conservation and Restoration Management opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L20AS00018; CFDA 15.245) is a discretionary cooperative agreement program focused on strengthening native plant conservation and improving restoration outcomes on BLM-managed public lands in Utah and the broader Western U.S. The program traces back to major wildfire impacts and a long-standing shortage of locally appropriate native seed. In response, Congress directed BLM to establish a native plant materials program in 2001 and encouraged coordination among federal and non-federal partners through the Plant Conservation Alliance (established in 1994). The central idea is to ensure that restoration and rehabilitation efforts use native plant communities suited to the specific ecoregions where they will be planted, rather than relying on limited or mismatched seed sources that can reduce ecological success over time.

At its core, the grant supports work that identifies, maintains, and restores Western native plant communities across BLM lands, which span more than 50 ecoregions. Because each ecoregion has plant species adapted to its unique climate, soils, and ecological pressures, BLM is emphasizing the development and use of genetically appropriate native plant materials, especially a broader mix of native forbs and grasses. This emphasis is tied directly to improving the durability of post-fire rehabilitation and long-term habitat restoration, particularly in landscapes repeatedly affected by large wildfires and other disturbances.

The opportunity highlights several types of partner-driven projects BLM is looking to advance. A major priority is on-the-ground habitat management that restores and maintains key wildlife and game species habitat, with a specific callout to reducing threats in high-priority areas for sage grouse, mule deer, and other sensitive species. Applicants can also propose efforts that work directly with growers and producers to expand the availability of genetically appropriate native seed and other plant materials used in reclamation and habitat restoration, helping to close the gap between restoration demand and seed supply.

BLM also signals interest in applied research and technical development that makes restoration more effective and predictable. This includes studies in plant ecology and ecophysiology, investigations into how long seeds persist in soil seed banks, improvements to propagation methods, development of agronomic production practices for native plants, and evaluations of plant traits and seed sources. The scope also includes practical work on seeding treatments, restoration tools, and field methods, often carried out through partnerships with state offices and ecoregional Plant Conservation and Restoration programs.

Another featured priority is strengthening the connection between native plant communities and pollinator health. Projects may include pollinator studies and applied restoration work that improves understanding of how pollinators contribute to restoration success, ecosystem resilience, and overall ecological function. In addition, the program places a strong emphasis on rare plant conservation, noting that public lands support more than 1,700 rare plant species, with more than 400 occurring exclusively on BLM lands. Proposed work can include monitoring, protection, research to increase understanding, and habitat restoration that benefits these rare plants, which often play important roles in wildlife forage and habitat structure.

The opportunity is also designed to integrate with other BLM operational programs, particularly Fuels and Emergency Stabilization and Restoration, by encouraging broader and more consistent use of native plant materials in post-disturbance recovery. BLM notes that this work is inherently collaborative and is carried out in coordination with states, tribes, other federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations, which aligns with the cooperative agreement structure of the award.

Finally, BLM is looking to expand public education and outreach related to native plant conservation and restoration. Proposed outreach deliverables can include information bulletins, handbooks, webinars, and mobile apps, with an added emphasis on building stronger links to citizen science efforts. In practice, this means the grant can support not only field restoration and research, but also the communication tools and public-facing programs that help communities understand restoration goals and contribute data or participation.

Administratively, the opportunity was open from February 25, 2020 through May 31, 2020, with two submission deadlines (Round One: April 30, 2020; Round Two: May 31, 2020), both at 4:30 PM EST. The award ceiling was $50,000, with an expectation of three awards. Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, meaning it was open to any entity type, subject to any additional eligibility details in the full notice.

• The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Utah Plant Conservation and Restoration Management" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.245.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 25, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 31, 2020 Open from February 25, 2020 through May 31, 2020, 430 PM EST Round One Applications Due April 30, 2020, 430 PM EST Round Two Applications Due May 31, 2020, 430 PM EST. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for L20AS00018

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