BLM OR/WA - Rare Care and Plant Conservation | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BLM OR/WA - Rare Care and Plant Conservation opportunity?

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L16AS00093) is a discretionary Bureau of Land Management (DOI-BLM) cooperative agreement focused on strengthening rare and sensitive plant conservation on public lands in Oregon and Washington.

Which agency is offering this funding?

The funding is offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI).

What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This is offered as a cooperative agreement. That means BLM expects substantial involvement in the project, rather than a fully hands-off relationship that is more typical of some grants.

What is the main purpose of this cooperative agreement?

The main purpose is practical, science-based conservation support for rare and sensitive plants on BLM-managed public lands in Oregon and Washington. The work is intended to improve management decisions, support long-term persistence of rare plant populations, and conserve seed resources for the future.

What geographic area does the opportunity focus on?

The opportunity focuses on public lands in Oregon and Washington.

What kinds of activities are expected to be supported?

Expected activities include field work and scientific study such as documenting and monitoring rare plant populations, tracking trends and geographic distribution, collecting data on species biology and ecological requirements, and conducting studies or actions that support long-term persistence and survival.

Does the opportunity include population monitoring and mapping work?

Yes. The opportunity specifically calls out documenting and monitoring the status, trends, and geographic distribution of rare plant populations on public lands.

What types of scientific data collection are anticipated?

The opportunity anticipates collecting data on species biology and ecological requirements, including habitat conditions, reproductive dynamics, and threats.

Are on-the-ground conservation actions part of the scope?

Yes. In addition to studies, the scope includes on-the-ground actions that improve the odds of long-term persistence and survival of rare plant species.

Does this program support seed banking or long-term seed storage?

Yes. A major component is ex situ conservation, including collection and long-term storage of rare plant seed to preserve genetic diversity and provide a safeguard against population loss.

What does "ex situ conservation" mean in this opportunity?

In this context, ex situ conservation refers to conserving rare plant genetic material outside its natural habitat, especially by collecting and storing seed long-term as a protective backup for wild populations.

Is seed conservation tied to a specific facility?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes maintaining long-term seed conservation capacity through the Miller Seed Vault at the University of Washington.

Does the opportunity mention species reintroductions?

Yes. The opportunity anticipates active conservation interventions where appropriate, including species reintroductions.

Are education and public outreach included?

Yes. Education and public outreach are highlighted as anticipated components, aimed at improving awareness and support for rare and sensitive plant conservation.

How does the CESU network relate to this opportunity?

The opportunity places a strong emphasis on collaborative, science-based stewardship through the Cooperative Ecosystems Study Unit (CESU) network, which connects federal agencies with universities, tribes, state and local governments, and other organizations to deliver research, technical assistance, and education.

What is CESU?

CESU (Cooperative Ecosystems Study Unit) is a national partnership model established in 2000 to help land and resource managers solve complex natural and cultural resource problems that cross jurisdictional boundaries by linking federal agencies with partner institutions and organizations.

Is this opportunity connected to an existing partnership?

Yes. It builds on a long-running working relationship between BLM and the University of Washington (a CESU member), particularly focused on conserving rare plants in the Pacific Northwest and sustaining seed conservation through the Miller Seed Vault.

What is the CFDA number and program category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Natural Resources under CFDA 15.231.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full announcement.

How many awards were expected?

The funding level indicates one expected award.

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?

The award ceiling is $50,800.

Is this funding discretionary?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a discretionary BLM cooperative agreement.

What is the posting date and closing date for this opportunity?

The opportunity was posted on April 19, 2016, and closed on June 19, 2016. The created date is also listed as April 19, 2016.

What kinds of outcomes is BLM aiming for through this award?

Based on the description, intended outcomes include improved BLM management decisions for rare plants, preserved seed resources for future conservation needs, support for recovery actions such as reintroductions where appropriate, and increased public understanding of the value and vulnerability of rare native plant species.

What does "substantial involvement" by BLM typically imply for this project?

Within the context provided, it means BLM expects to be actively involved in the project under the cooperative agreement structure, rather than simply providing funds without ongoing participation.