BLM OR/WA - Siuslaw Watershed Restoration, Eugene District | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): BLM OR/WA - Siuslaw Watershed Restoration, Eugene District

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "BLM OR/WA - Siuslaw Watershed Restoration, Eugene District."

Which federal agency is offering this funding?

This is a U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (DOI-BLM) funding solicitation.

What geographic area does this project focus on?

The focus area is the Siuslaw Watershed in Oregon's Coast Range, within the BLM Eugene District context described in the announcement.

What problem is this project trying to address?

The announcement states that decades of land use activities have reduced overall watershed function. It emphasizes that forestry operations, road construction, and agricultural development have disrupted natural watershed processes relied on by native aquatic species.

Is the goal to fix isolated issues, or to restore broader watershed processes?

The notice frames the work around restoring the conditions and physical processes that create and maintain healthy aquatic habitat, rather than only addressing isolated symptoms.

What historical activities are cited as contributing to current watershed impacts?

The announcement specifically points to forestry operations, road construction, and agricultural development, as well as past riparian logging and "stream cleaning," as drivers of reduced watershed function.

How did past riparian logging and "stream cleaning" affect streams?

They are identified as major drivers of reduced wood and gravel delivery to streams, which can simplify habitat and undermine channel complexity. The notice also links these practices to increased water temperatures.

Why is reduced wood and gravel delivery to streams a concern in this solicitation?

As described, reduced wood and gravel delivery can simplify habitat and reduce channel complexity, affecting the physical structure and processes that support healthy aquatic habitat.

What water quality or temperature issues are mentioned?

The announcement notes increased water temperatures as an impact associated with the historical practices described.

What role do road-stream crossings play in watershed problems?

Road-stream crossings are described as a widespread issue. The notice states that many crossings block aquatic organism passage (such as culverts that are perched, undersized, or otherwise impassable) and can increase the delivery of fine sediment into waterways.

What does "aquatic organism passage" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Based on the description, it refers to the ability of aquatic species to move through stream networks without being blocked by structures like perched, undersized, or otherwise impassable culverts at road-stream crossings.

Why is fine sediment considered harmful in this project description?

The notice explains that excess fine sediment can degrade spawning gravels, reduce water quality, and harm aquatic invertebrates and fish by embedding streambeds and reducing oxygen flow through gravels.

What types of activities does BLM want the recipient to perform?

BLM is seeking a partner to conduct work that includes assessing current conditions, planning restoration actions, monitoring outcomes, and implementing improvements that restore or maintain watershed functions.

Does the opportunity include monitoring and evaluation?

Yes. Monitoring outcomes is specifically listed, and the emphasis on assessment, planning, and monitoring indicates the project is expected to be structured and data-informed, with measurable objectives and follow-up evaluation to track effectiveness over time.

What is the overall goal of the project?

The overall goal is to improve the natural processes that support native aquatic species by addressing factors that limit habitat quality and connectivity.

What funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

The announcement notes that a cooperative agreement typically implies substantial involvement and coordination with the federal agency during project execution.

Is this a discretionary grant opportunity?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary opportunity.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 15.231.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity may apply, as long as it meets any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full announcement.

How many awards does BLM expect to make?

The announcement indicates an expectation of a single award and that BLM is seeking to partner with one recipient.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $34,000.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on April 7, 2016, created the same day, and it closed on June 6, 2016.

Is the funding described as large or small?

The announcement characterizes the funding as relatively small and targeted, with a $34,000 award ceiling and one expected award.

What is the main restoration approach emphasized in the description?

The approach emphasized is improving watershed function by restoring the conditions and physical processes that create and maintain healthy aquatic habitat, including addressing barriers to connectivity and sources of fine sediment, and incorporating assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring.