Opportunity Information: Apply for L15AS00172
Apply for L15AS00172
- The Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BLM CA CESU Central California Botanical Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.231 Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 11, 2015 and posted on Jun 11, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 11, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $100,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The BLM CA CESU Central California Botanical Projects opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L15AS00172) was a Bureau of Land Management discretionary grant offered as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.231, Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management. It was designed to support on-the-ground and research-based botanical conservation work in Central California, with an emphasis on building coordinated, long-term capacity for native plant conservation on BLM-managed lands and associated landscapes. The announcement was posted June 11, 2015, with an application deadline of August 11, 2015, and it was later archived on December 31, 2019. The agency anticipated making one award, with an estimated total funding amount of $100,000, which was also the award ceiling; the floor was listed as $500. No cost sharing or matching requirement was indicated.
Eligibility was limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, reflecting the program's alignment with academic and research partnerships and, specifically, the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework. The cooperative agreement instrument type also signals that BLM expected to have substantial involvement in the project, such as collaborating on planning, priority-setting, methods, deliverables, or integration of results into land management decisions, rather than simply providing funds with minimal agency engagement.
The scope of work centered on a comprehensive set of botanical conservation activities that span collection, monitoring, restoration planning, propagation, and applied research. A major component was expanding or strengthening a partnership with a Center for Plant Conservation-affiliated botanic garden in Central California. This partnership focus suggests the intent to connect BLM field priorities with established ex situ conservation infrastructure and expertise, including seed banking, living collections, propagation, and conservation horticulture, while also supporting education and outreach.
A key deliverable area involved germplasm collection for keystone species using the Seeds of Success protocol. Seeds of Success is a widely used framework for native seed collection that emphasizes scientific documentation, genetic representation, and careful handling so that collected material is useful for restoration and conservation. In practical terms, this means systematic seed collecting across populations and years where needed, strong provenance data, and alignment with standards that make the resulting seed lots credible for later use in restoration projects, seed increase, and long-term conservation storage.
Another core area was the development and implementation of monitoring plans for target species, paired with restoration planning for both species and habitats. This indicates the program was not only interested in baseline data but also in repeatable monitoring designs that can track population status, threats, and management outcomes over time. The restoration planning element points to translating botanical knowledge into actionable management guidance, such as identifying appropriate restoration sites, defining target conditions, selecting plant materials, planning site preparation and weed control, and establishing performance measures for restoration success.
Propagation and seed bulking were also explicitly included, covering production of plants or seed for restoration use, conservation storage, and educational purposes. This combines practical production goals (having adequate quantities of appropriate plant material for projects) with longer-term conservation goals (safeguarding genetic resources and supporting future reintroductions) and public-facing goals (education that builds support and knowledge around native plants and rare species conservation).
The opportunity further called for assisting in the development of conservation management plans for rare species. This typically involves compiling the best available science on species distribution, ecology, threats, and management options, then translating that into implementable actions and decision frameworks. These plans can guide BLM and partners on priorities such as habitat protection, disturbance management, invasive species control, grazing or recreation considerations, fire management implications, and protocols for surveys and monitoring.
Several scientific and inventory-focused tasks were also included. The program sought general floristic inventories, with vouchered plant specimens curated in perpetuity. This means conducting field surveys to document plant diversity and distribution, and creating herbarium-quality voucher specimens that are permanently stored in recognized collections. Voucher curation is important because it provides a verifiable record of species occurrence and identification, supports taxonomic work, and allows future researchers and land managers to re-examine specimens as names, concepts, and analytical tools evolve.
On the research side, the announcement highlighted population and conservation genetics studies for targeted rare plant species, as well as demographic and other life history studies. Genetics work can inform how populations are connected or isolated, how much genetic diversity exists within and among sites, and how seed collection and restoration sourcing should be designed to avoid genetic bottlenecks or maladaptation. Demographic and life history studies typically focus on survival, reproduction, recruitment, and stage transitions, often identifying which parts of the life cycle most limit population growth and which management actions are likely to have the greatest benefit. Together, these research components are aimed at producing management-relevant insights that improve the effectiveness and durability of conservation actions.
Overall, this grant opportunity bundled practical conservation implementation with rigorous documentation and applied science. The structure of the work suggests BLM was seeking a partner capable of integrating seed collection standards, restoration planning, monitoring design, propagation capacity, floristic survey expertise, herbarium curation, and analytical research, all coordinated with BLM priorities in Central California. For applicants at eligible institutions, the project would have been a chance to deliver tangible conservation products (seed collections, monitoring and restoration plans, propagated material, inventories and vouchers) while also generating data and analyses (genetics, demography, life history) that can directly shape rare plant management and restoration strategies on public lands.
For access issues or announcement questions, the listed contact was Leona B. Parker, Grants Management Officer, at 530-252-5338 or lparker@blm.gov, and the listing referenced Grants.gov for the full announcement details and application materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the BLM CA CESU Central California Botanical Projects opportunity (L15AS00172)?
BLM CA CESU Central California Botanical Projects (Funding Opportunity Number L15AS00172) was a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary grant offered as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.231 (Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management). It was intended to support on-the-ground and research-based botanical conservation work in Central California, with an emphasis on coordinated, long-term capacity for native plant conservation on BLM-managed lands and connected landscapes.
Which agency offered this grant?
The opportunity was offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
What type of award instrument was used?
The opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement. This indicates BLM expected substantial involvement in the project (for example, collaborating on planning, priorities, methods, deliverables, and/or integrating results into land management decisions), rather than providing funds with minimal agency engagement.
What was the CFDA program associated with this opportunity?
The listing referenced CFDA 15.231, Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.
When was the opportunity posted and when were applications due?
The announcement was posted on June 11, 2015, and the application deadline was August 11, 2015.
Is this opportunity still active?
No. The opportunity was later archived on December 31, 2019.
How many awards did BLM anticipate making?
The agency anticipated making one award.
What was the estimated total funding amount?
The estimated total funding amount was $100,000.
What were the award ceiling and award floor?
The award ceiling was $100,000, and the award floor was listed as $500.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement was indicated in the information provided.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This reflects alignment with academic and research partnerships and the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework.
What geographic area did the work focus on?
The work focused on Central California, particularly botanical conservation tied to BLM-managed lands and associated landscapes.
What was the overall purpose and emphasis of the project scope?
The scope emphasized building coordinated, long-term capacity for native plant conservation by combining practical conservation implementation with rigorous documentation and applied science. The project bundled activities like seed collection, monitoring design, restoration planning, propagation, inventories with vouchers, and research (genetics and demography) to produce management-relevant outcomes for rare plants and habitats.
What kinds of botanical conservation activities were included in the scope of work?
The opportunity covered a comprehensive set of activities spanning collection, monitoring, restoration planning, propagation (including seed bulking), and applied research. It also included planning support for rare species and inventory/documentation tasks such as floristic surveys with permanently curated voucher specimens.
Was partnership development part of the project requirements?
Yes. A major component was expanding or strengthening a partnership with a Center for Plant Conservation-affiliated botanic garden in Central California, connecting BLM priorities with ex situ conservation capacity and expertise (such as seed banking, living collections, propagation, and conservation horticulture), while also supporting education and outreach.
What is meant by germplasm collection for keystone species using the Seeds of Success protocol?
Germplasm collection in this context referred to collecting seeds (and related conservation plant material) for keystone species using the Seeds of Success protocol. As described, Seeds of Success emphasizes scientific documentation, genetic representation, careful handling, and strong provenance data so collected seed lots are credible and useful for restoration, seed increase, and long-term conservation storage.
What deliverables were implied by the Seeds of Success approach?
Based on the description provided, deliverables would likely include systematically collected seed lots across populations (and across years as needed), accompanied by thorough documentation and provenance information consistent with Seeds of Success standards to support future restoration and conservation use.
What did the opportunity say about monitoring plans?
It called for developing and implementing monitoring plans for target species. The emphasis was on repeatable monitoring designs that can track population status, threats, and management outcomes over time (not just baseline information).
What did restoration planning include for species and habitats?
The restoration planning component was described as translating botanical knowledge into actionable management guidance. Examples provided included identifying appropriate restoration sites, defining target conditions, selecting plant materials, planning site preparation and weed control, and establishing performance measures for restoration success.
What is propagation and seed bulking in the context of this opportunity?
Propagation and seed bulking referred to producing plants or seed for restoration use, conservation storage, and educational purposes. The description connects this to practical production goals (enough plant material for projects), long-term genetic resource safeguarding, support for future reintroductions, and public-facing education tied to native plants and rare species conservation.
Did the opportunity involve conservation management plans for rare species?
Yes. The scope included assisting in the development of conservation management plans for rare species, generally described as compiling best available science (distribution, ecology, threats, management options) and translating it into implementable actions and decision frameworks to guide priorities and management considerations.
What types of management considerations were mentioned for rare species plans?
Examples listed included habitat protection, disturbance management, invasive species control, grazing or recreation considerations, fire management implications, and protocols for surveys and monitoring.
What were floristic inventories and what does "vouchered plant specimens curated in perpetuity" mean?
The scope included general floristic inventories (field surveys documenting plant diversity and distribution) with vouchered plant specimens curated in perpetuity. As described, this means producing herbarium-quality voucher specimens and permanently storing them in recognized collections, creating verifiable records of occurrence and identification that can support future research and management as taxonomic concepts and analytical tools evolve.
What research topics were highlighted?
The announcement highlighted population and conservation genetics studies for targeted rare plant species, along with demographic and other life history studies.
How can genetics studies support rare plant conservation under this opportunity?
As described, genetics work can inform how populations are connected or isolated, how much genetic diversity exists within and among sites, and how seed collection and restoration sourcing should be designed to avoid genetic bottlenecks or maladaptation.
How can demographic and life history studies support management decisions?
The description noted that demographic and life history studies typically focus on survival, reproduction, recruitment, and stage transitions, helping identify which parts of the life cycle most limit population growth and which management actions are likely to provide the greatest benefit.
What kinds of outputs was BLM likely seeking overall?
Based on the stated scope, BLM was seeking tangible conservation products (for example, seed collections, monitoring and restoration plans, propagated material, inventories and vouchers) along with data and analyses (genetics, demography, life history) that could directly inform rare plant management and restoration strategies on public lands.
Where could applicants find full announcement details and application materials?
The listing referenced Grants.gov for the full announcement details and application materials.
Who was the contact for access issues or announcement questions?
The listed contact was Leona B. Parker, Grants Management Officer. Phone: 530-252-5338. Email: lparker@blm.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: National Park Service Level III Energy Audit and Net Zero Analysis for Organ Pipe Cactus NM
Previous opportunity: National Park Service Development of a statistical adaptive monitoring framework for sea otters in Glacier Bay, Alaska
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for L15AS00172
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (L15AS00172) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| National Park Service Level III Energy Audit and Net Zero Analysis for Organ Pipe Cactus NM Apply for NPS NOIP15AC00955 Funding Number: NPS NOIP15AC00955 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM OR/WA Youth Employment and Education Natural Resource Management and Conservation Projects, Eugene District, Oregon Apply for L15AS00173 Funding Number: L15AS00173 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,200 |
| National Park Service Jackson Lake Lodge Historic Structures Report, Part 2 Apply for NPS NOIP15AC00913 Funding Number: NPS NOIP15AC00913 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM OR WA Baker Cypress Restoration Stewardship, Redding, CA, Field Office Apply for L15AS00153 Funding Number: L15AS00153 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| BLM Monticello Field Office Indian Creek Resource Protection and Recreation Improvement Project Apply for L15AS00157 Funding Number: L15AS00157 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| BLM OR WA Lichen and Bryophyte Studies, Education and Conservation Apply for L15AS00160 Funding Number: L15AS00160 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| NPS NOIP15AC00933 Class III Intensive Archeological Survey, Tribal Consultation, and Ethnographic Fieldwork for a Cultural Landscape Inventory (CLI) and National Register Nomination of the Old Salt Trail within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Pi Apply for NPS NOIP15AC00933 Funding Number: NPS NOIP15AC00933 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $128,940 |
| National Park Service Prepare an Archeological Overview and Assessment Report Apply for NPS NOIP15AC00936 Funding Number: NPS NOIP15AC00936 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM Alaska System for Mapping and Predicting Species of Concern (SOMC) Aquatic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) Apply for L15AS00165 Funding Number: L15AS00165 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| BLM AK CESU Alaska Collaborative Visitor Transportation Survey Apply for L15AS00156 Funding Number: L15AS00156 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| BLM AK CESU Community Knowledge and Research Relating to Arctic Wildfires Apply for L15AS00158 Funding Number: L15AS00158 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| BLM OR/WA West Eugene Wetlands Restoration Project Apply for L15AS00164 Funding Number: L15AS00164 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $33,470 |
| BLM AK GMU13 Subsistence Resource Populations Monitoring Apply for L15AS00167 Funding Number: L15AS00167 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BLM CA 2015 Youth Opportunities to Work on Conservation Project on California Public Lands Apply for L15AS00154 Funding Number: L15AS00154 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| National Park Service Preserve Prehistoric Sandals Apply for NPS NOIP15AC00946 Funding Number: NPS NOIP15AC00946 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM OR/WA Rare Plant Monitoring and Recovery in SW Oregon Apply for L15AS00168 Funding Number: L15AS00168 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| BLM CA Redding Field Office Trinity River Watershed Healthy Lands Project Apply for L15AS00170 Funding Number: L15AS00170 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 15 Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Panels Apply for F15AS00269 Funding Number: F15AS00269 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| BLM CA CESU Northeast Information Center Data Sharing Arch Research Apply for L15AS00171 Funding Number: L15AS00171 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BLM OR/WA Special Status Plant Monitoring, Lakeview District Apply for L15AS00174 Funding Number: L15AS00174 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "L15AS00172", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.