Balcones Canyonlands NWR Hazardous Fuel Reduction 2014 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled the "Balcones Canyonlands NWR Hazardous Fuel Reduction 2014" grant.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is F14AS00398.

Which federal agency offered this grant?

The grant was offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.674.

What program area does it fall under?

It is under the National Fire Plan Wildland Urban Interface Community Fire Assistance program area.

What was the overall purpose of the funding?

The purpose was to reduce the risk of high-intensity, hard-to-control wildfires in and around the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, where catastrophic fire could threaten nearby homes, businesses, and other high-value infrastructure.

Why is habitat protection a major driver of this project?

A central driver is protection of habitat for two endangered songbirds, the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo. Severe wildfires can cause long-lasting damage to the vegetation structure these species depend on.

What kinds of activities did the project focus on?

The project focused on hazardous fuels reduction treatments designed to create defensible space in high-risk locations, especially near federal and privately owned structures and improvements, as well as in areas of critical endangered species habitat.

What is meant by "defensible space" in the context of this announcement?

Based on the announcement, defensible space refers to treated areas in high-risk locations (particularly adjacent to structures and improvements and within critical habitat) where fuels and stand conditions are modified so wildfire intensity and spread are reduced and firefighters can operate more effectively.

What specific fuel and stand condition changes were emphasized?

The announcement emphasized practical, measurable changes including: reducing surface fuel loading (grasses, leaf litter, and downed woody material), increasing canopy base height (raising the lowest live branches to reduce "ladder" fuels), and reducing canopy bulk density (thinning canopy fuels so crown fire is less likely to sustain and spread).

How do these treatments reduce wildfire risk?

Collectively, the treatments aim to lower the probability that a wildfire becomes catastrophic, improve firefighter effectiveness, and reduce expected damage if a wildfire occurs.

Why did the announcement anticipate crews working largely by hand?

The announcement states the refuge's terrain and the sensitivity of treatment areas require crews to work largely by hand rather than relying on heavy equipment.

What tools and methods were expected for implementation?

The scope anticipated extensive use of hand crews using mechanical and hand-operated tools such as chainsaws, weed trimmers, pole saws, hand tools, chippers, leaf blowers, and mowers.

Was heavy equipment part of the planned approach?

The announcement indicates that heavy equipment was not the primary approach, because many target areas were difficult to access and ecologically sensitive, making low-impact methods more appropriate.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

Was this an open competitive solicitation?

No. It was explicitly labeled as a "Notice of Intent to Award Single Source (continuation of project)," indicating the agency planned a sole-source continuation rather than an open competition.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding was $125,500.

What was the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The maximum award amount (award ceiling) was $125,500.

What was the minimum award amount (award floor)?

The award floor was $24,500.

Was cost sharing or a match required?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants were limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.

Were institutions of higher education eligible?

No. Institutions of higher education were excluded from eligibility even if they otherwise met nonprofit criteria.

When was the opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted and created on August 13, 2014.

What was the application deadline?

The closing date was August 19, 2014.

How long was the application window?

From the provided dates (August 13, 2014 to August 19, 2014), the application window was very short.

When was the listing archived?

The listing was archived on August 12, 2015.

Where could applicants find additional information?

Additional information was referenced through Grants.gov.

Who was the listed contact for access issues or further details?

The posted contact was Michelle L. Willcox, Grants Specialist.

What contact details were provided?

Phone: 505-248-7486. Email: michellewillcox@fws.gov.

What geographic area was the project concerned with?

The project concerned hazardous fuel reduction in and around the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

What types of assets were described as being at risk from catastrophic fire?

The announcement notes that nearby homes, businesses, and other high-value infrastructure could be threatened by catastrophic fire.

What wildlife species were explicitly mentioned?

The Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo were explicitly mentioned as endangered songbirds whose habitat could be harmed by severe wildfire.

What kinds of locations were prioritized for treatment?

High-risk locations were prioritized, especially areas adjacent to federal and privately owned structures and improvements, and areas of critical endangered species habitat.