BLM OR WA HENRY MOUNTAIN HABITAT PARTNERSHIP, UTAH | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled the "BLM OR WA Henry Mountain Habitat Partnership, Utah" and is identified by Funding Opportunity Number L13AS00218.

2) Which federal agency is offering this grant?

This is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary grant offered as a cooperative agreement.

3) What type of funding instrument is being used?

The opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement, which typically means BLM maintains close involvement in implementation compared to a standard grant.

4) What is the CFDA program number and name associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.233, "Forests and Woodlands Resource Management."

5) What is the overall purpose of the project?

The overall purpose is to improve forest health and wildlife habitat across a mix of forested and non-forested ecosystems in the Henry Mountains area of Utah by applying on-the-ground vegetation and habitat treatments.

6) Where will the project activities take place?

The work is focused on the Henry Mountains area of Utah.

7) What outcomes is the project trying to achieve for vegetation and habitat?

The project is geared toward restoring healthier, more resilient plant communities, reducing risks tied to hazardous fuels, and improving wildlife habitat by increasing the availability and quality of forage, browse, and cover.

8) What kinds of on-the-ground treatments are included?

The description includes multiple complementary approaches such as commercial and non-commercial forest thinning, vegetation treatments to reduce hazardous fuels, removal of plant species that have expanded beyond their normal range, seeding of appropriate species, and potential removal of non-functional fences that pose hazards.

9) What does "commercial and non-commercial forest thinning" mean in this context?

The notice describes thinning as removing selected trees to reduce overcrowding, improve stand structure, and promote the growth of desired species and age classes. It anticipates both commercial and non-commercial thinning methods.

10) Why is hazardous fuels reduction part of the project?

Hazardous fuels reduction is intended to lower the likelihood of severe wildfire behavior and help protect habitat values, while also supporting broader forest and vegetation health objectives.

11) What is meant by removing plant species that have expanded beyond their normal range?

The project includes removing plant species that have expanded due to altered disturbance patterns and are displacing desirable native vegetation at the site level. The intent is to correct imbalances tied to long-term shifts in ecosystem dynamics.

12) How will seeding be used under this project?

Seeding is described as a key tool used to: (1) enhance habitat quality by establishing appropriate wildlife browse and forage species, (2) support erosion control, and (3) suppress or prevent the establishment of noxious weeds on disturbed areas following management activities.

13) Why does the opportunity emphasize seeding for weed prevention?

The notice explains that ground disturbance from thinning, fuels work, or equipment operations can create conditions where weeds establish quickly if sites are not stabilized and revegetated.

14) Are there any tasks related to planning or layout of treatment areas?

Yes. The announcement notes potential supporting tasks such as laying out treatment unit boundaries and marking timber.

15) Are there supervision requirements for boundary layout and timber marking?

Yes. The notice specifies that tasks such as laying out boundaries and marking timber must occur under the direct supervision of BLM staff, consistent with the cooperative agreement structure.

16) Does the project include any work related to fences?

Yes. The project may include removing non-functional fences that pose hazards to both the public and wildlife, described as a safety and habitat connectivity measure.

17) Is monitoring included after treatments are implemented?

Post-treatment monitoring and adaptive management may be included. This means the project can include checking how well treatments performed and adjusting future actions based on results.

18) What might post-treatment monitoring focus on?

The notice mentions monitoring elements such as tracking vegetation response, weed presence, erosion indicators, and habitat use, then refining methods or follow-up treatments as needed.

19) How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

20) What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $750,000.

21) What were the stated award ceiling and award floor?

The listed award ceiling was $22,000 and the award floor was $1. The notice also suggests that the detailed funding structure or task-level budgeting was likely clarified in the full announcement package.

22) Is cost sharing or a match required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

23) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted on August 22, 2013. The original and current closing date listed is August 30, 2013.

24) Is this funding opportunity still active?

No. The opportunity was archived on August 21, 2014.

25) Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was narrowly targeted. The eligible applicant identified in the notice is the Mule Deer Foundation (1939 South 4130 West, Suite H, Salt Lake City, UT 84104). The eligibility category is listed as "Others" with a note to see the full text for clarification.

26) Does the eligibility information suggest a targeted partnership rather than open competition?

Yes. The notice indicates the competition was likely intended for a specific partner organization to carry out work in collaboration with BLM under the habitat partnership framework.

27) Where can someone find the full instructions and application package?

The announcement directs users to the "APPLICATION" tab via the Additional Information link in the source system.

28) Who should be contacted for access issues or application package questions?

The listed contact is Sheryl Dowley, Grants Management Specialist, at 503-808-6243 or sdowley@blm.gov.