Opportunity Information: Apply for L17AS00144
The grant opportunity titled "BLM CA Support of National Seed Strategy to Produce Ecologically Native Plant" (Funding Opportunity Number L17AS00144) is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California funding effort focused on improving the supply and use of native plant materials for land rehabilitation and ecological restoration. It is rooted in two major national policy frameworks released in 2015: the Plant Conservation Alliance National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration (2015-2020), which BLM helped develop and formally signed onto, and the White House National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators. Together, these strategies push federal land managers to restore damaged landscapes with plant materials that are not only native, but also genetically and ecologically appropriate for the specific regions being restored, rather than relying on generic or non-local seed sources that may not perform well or may undermine local adaptation.
The practical problem this opportunity aims to address is especially urgent in the Mojave Desert Ecoregion, where more than one million acres have burned since 2005. These large, repeated fires have severely degraded desert ecosystems that historically did not burn as frequently, and they have directly harmed habitat for the federally threatened Mojave desert tortoise. At the same time, invasive species have expanded significantly across both upland and riparian areas, increasing competition against native plants and often creating fuel conditions that can make future fires more likely. The opportunity frames native plant restoration as a key tool for countering invasive spread, stabilizing disturbed areas, and rebuilding functioning habitat, including habitat that supports tortoise recovery and broader desert biodiversity.
Funding is offered through a cooperative agreement, meaning the BLM expects to be actively involved with recipients during project implementation rather than simply issuing a hands-off grant. The activity area is natural resources, and the assistance listing is CFDA 15.231. The opportunity was listed as discretionary and open to an unrestricted pool of eligible applicants, with the expectation that any additional eligibility details would be spelled out in the full announcement text. The award ceiling is $300,000, and BLM anticipated making about three awards. The opportunity was created on June 9, 2017, with an original closing date of August 9, 2017.
In terms of what projects are meant to accomplish, the core deliverable is increased availability of restoration-ready native plant materials that match the genetics and ecological conditions of target BLM lands. That includes native seed and potentially nursery stock suitable for revegetation work after wildfire and other disturbances. The emphasis on "genetically and ecologically appropriate" signals a preference for sourcing and producing plant materials that reflect local or regionally adapted populations, which improves establishment success, helps maintain local genetic integrity, and supports more resilient plant communities. By boosting the supply chain for appropriate native materials, BLM is aiming to improve restoration outcomes, reduce reliance on non-native or poorly adapted mixes, and create on-the-ground benefits that align with national restoration and pollinator priorities while directly supporting desert tortoise habitat restoration and long-term recovery in the Mojave.Apply for L17AS00144
- The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BLM CA Support of National Seed Strategy to Produce Ecologically Native Plant" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.231.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 09, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 09, 2017. (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 $300,000.00 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "BLM CA Support of National Seed Strategy to Produce Ecologically Native Plant."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is L17AS00144.
Which agency is offering this funding?
This opportunity is offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), California.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The main purpose is to improve the supply and use of native plant materials for land rehabilitation and ecological restoration, with an emphasis on native materials that are genetically and ecologically appropriate for the regions being restored.
What problem is this opportunity trying to solve?
It targets a shortage of restoration-ready, locally appropriate native plant materials and the restoration challenges created by large, repeated wildfires and expanding invasive species, particularly in the Mojave Desert Ecoregion.
Why is the Mojave Desert Ecoregion highlighted?
The Mojave Desert Ecoregion is highlighted because more than one million acres have burned there since 2005, causing severe ecosystem degradation in landscapes that historically did not burn as frequently.
How does wildfire relate to the goals of this opportunity?
Wildfire drives the need for revegetation and habitat rebuilding. This opportunity supports producing native seeds and potentially nursery stock used to rehabilitate lands after wildfire and other disturbances.
How do invasive species factor into this funding effort?
Invasive species have expanded across upland and riparian areas, increasing competition against native plants and often creating fuel conditions that can increase the likelihood of future fires. Native plant restoration is framed as a tool to counter invasive spread and stabilize disturbed areas.
What types of plant materials does BLM want to increase?
The core deliverable is increased availability of restoration-ready native plant materials that match the genetics and ecological conditions of target BLM lands. This includes native seed and potentially nursery stock suitable for revegetation.
What does "genetically and ecologically appropriate" mean in this context?
It indicates a preference for sourcing and producing plant materials that reflect local or regionally adapted populations, rather than generic or non-local seed sources. The goal is to improve establishment success, maintain local genetic integrity, and support resilient plant communities.
Why is BLM emphasizing local or regionally adapted native materials instead of generic seed mixes?
Generic or non-local seed sources may not perform well in the target environment and may undermine local adaptation. Locally appropriate materials are intended to improve restoration outcomes and support long-term ecosystem resilience.
How does this opportunity connect to national policy frameworks?
It is rooted in two national strategies released in 2015: the Plant Conservation Alliance National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration (2015-2020) and the White House National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators.
What is the relevance of the National Seed Strategy (2015-2020) to this grant?
The National Seed Strategy pushes federal land managers to restore damaged landscapes using plant materials that are native and appropriate for the specific regions being restored. This grant supports that goal by strengthening availability of those materials.
How does the pollinator strategy relate to this funding opportunity?
The pollinator strategy is cited as a guiding framework alongside the National Seed Strategy, aligning restoration actions with broader priorities that support pollinators through appropriate native plant restoration.
Does this opportunity address wildlife habitat concerns?
Yes. It specifically notes impacts to habitat for the federally threatened Mojave desert tortoise and frames native plant restoration as a tool for rebuilding functioning habitat that supports tortoise recovery and broader desert biodiversity.
What is the assistance listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The assistance listing (CFDA) is 15.231.
What is the activity area for this opportunity?
The activity area is natural resources.
What type of award is being offered?
Funding is offered through a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
It means BLM expects to be actively involved with recipients during project implementation, rather than providing a fully hands-off grant.
Is this opportunity discretionary?
Yes. The opportunity was listed as discretionary.
Who is eligible to apply?
The opportunity was open to an unrestricted pool of eligible applicants, with the expectation that any additional eligibility details would be provided in the full announcement text.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $300,000.
How many awards did BLM anticipate making?
BLM anticipated making about three awards.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on June 9, 2017.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was August 9, 2017.
What outcomes is BLM aiming for by funding these projects?
BLM aims to increase the supply chain for appropriate native materials, improve restoration outcomes, reduce reliance on non-native or poorly adapted mixes, and produce on-the-ground benefits that support national restoration and pollinator priorities while aiding desert tortoise habitat restoration and long-term recovery in the Mojave.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (L17AS00144) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| BLM CA Seed Strategy Implementation Apply for L17AS00145 Funding Number: L17AS00145 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| BLM-WY, Ferruginous Hawk Platforms in Natural Gas Development Field Apply for L17AS00150 Funding Number: L17AS00150 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| BLM-WY, Wyoming Watershed Projects for Grizzly Bear Apply for L17AS00147 Funding Number: L17AS00147 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| BLM-WY, Watershed Restoration and Fisheries Improvement Apply for L17AS00149 Funding Number: L17AS00149 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| BLM-WY, Vegetation Assessment Inventory and Monitoring Data Collection Apply for L17AS00151 Funding Number: L17AS00151 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BLM-WY, Greater-Sage Grouse Study to Identify Movement Near Wind Farms Apply for L17AS00152 Funding Number: L17AS00152 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $249,000 |
| BLM-CO Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Education Program Apply for L17AS00148 Funding Number: L17AS00148 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| BLM-CO: Interpretation, Education, and Protection of Resources on Public Lands in Western Colorado Apply for L17AS00153 Funding Number: L17AS00153 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| BLM Idaho White Bark Pine Blister Rust Resistance and Restoration Project Apply for L17AS00136 Funding Number: L17AS00136 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $26,000 |
| Assessing and modeling vegetation change along the Colorado River in support of trends assessment and vegetation resource management Apply for USGS 17 FA 0220 Funding Number: USGS 17 FA 0220 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $397,609 |
| BLM CA Piedras Blancas Light Station Interpretation and Outreach Apply for L17AS00156 Funding Number: L17AS00156 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| CESU Study Agriculture Consumptive Use Apply for BOR UC 17 N009 Funding Number: BOR UC 17 N009 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $71,921 |
| BLM CA Seed Strategy Action Item 2.4.2 Apply for L17AS00157 Funding Number: L17AS00157 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| BLM CA Southern California Botanical Projects Apply for L17AS00158 Funding Number: L17AS00158 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| BLM CA Experimental Mesoscale Forecast Products for Fire Weather, Smoke Dispersion, Transport, Fire Danger, Fire Behavior Apply for L17AS00155 Funding Number: L17AS00155 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BLM-(WO), Support of professional development and communication on wildlife management and biology through a professional society for wildlife. Apply for L17AS00161 Funding Number: L17AS00161 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| BLM CA Wildlife and Plant Conservation Apply for L17AS00159 Funding Number: L17AS00159 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| NCTC: MJV Program Support Apply for F17AS00274 Funding Number: F17AS00274 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Native Youth Community Adaptation Leadership Congress - Amendment Apply for F17AS00261 Funding Number: F17AS00261 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| BLM-WY, Watershed Health Study Using Amphibian and Bat Presence-Absence Distribution Apply for L17AS00176 Funding Number: L17AS00176 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $900,000 |
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